Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic genus of fungi: "genus Ustilago" is the type genus of the family Ustilaginaceae. It comprises a group of fungi commonly known as the loose smuts, which are plant pathogens.

Usage

• The term "genus Ustilago" is used in scientific contexts, specifically in mycology (the study of fungi), botany, and plant pathology. It refers to the entire genus as a taxonomic category.
• Example: "The fungus infecting the wheat crop was identified as a member of ."

Examples

• Noun:
  • Genus Ustilago includes species that cause significant crop diseases.
  • The life cycle of Ustilago maydis, a species within genus Ustilago, has been extensively studied.
  • Researchers are investigating the genetic diversity within genus Ustilago.

Advanced Usage

• In formal taxonomic writing, the genus name is italicized. When used with a specific species name, the genus is often abbreviated after first use (e.g., ).
• Example: " (now often classified in a separate genus) was historically a key species in ."

Variants and Related Words

• Ustilago (n): The singular form, often used interchangeably with "genus Ustilago" in scientific discourse.
  • Ustilago is a major genus of smut fungi.
• Ustilaginaceae (n): The family to which this genus belongs.
• smut (n): A common name for diseases caused by fungi in this and related genera, characterized by sooty spore masses.

Synonyms

• Loose smut fungi: A descriptive, non-scientific synonym referring to the common disease caused by these organisms.
• Type genus of Ustilaginaceae: A formal synonym indicating its taxonomic role.

Notes on Meaning

• The term has a single, specific meaning in scientific classification. It does not have different everyday meanings, idioms, or phrasal verbs. Its usage is confined to biological and agricultural sciences.

Noun

1. type genus of the Ustilaginaceae; genus comprising the loose smuts