Definition

1. Noun:
   • A species of smut fungus belonging to the genus Tilletia. It is a plant pathogen that causes bunt or stinking smut disease in wheat and other grasses. The name foetida refers to the foul, fishy odor produced by the mass of fungal spores (teliospores) that replace the grain kernels in an infected plant.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The field was quarantined after the detection of Tilletia foetida.
  • Tilletia foetida can cause significant yield loss in wheat crops.
  • The characteristic smell of infected grain is a key indicator of Tilletia foetida.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Classification: In botanical and mycological texts, the binomial name is always italicized. It may be followed by the name of the scientist who described it (author citation).
  • The pathogen was identified as Tilletia foetida (Wallr.) Liro.

Variants and Related Words

• Bunt: The common name for the disease caused by fungi in the genus , including .
• Stinking Smut: Another common name for the disease, directly referencing the foul odor.
• Teliospore: The thick-walled, resting spore produced by smut fungi like .
• Tilletia caries: A closely related species that causes a similar disease but with spores that are typically reticulate (netted) and lack the strong odor associated with .

Synonyms

• Stinking bunt fungus
• Bunt fungus (general term for the genus)

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Plant Pathogen: A broader category to which belongs.
• Smut Fungus: The common name for fungi in the order Ustilaginales, which includes the genus .

Noun

1. similar to Tilletia caries