Definition

Noun: - A species of smut fungus (Uropyxis cepulae, syn. Urocystis cepulae) that infects plants in the onion family, causing disease characterized by dark, blister-like pustules on the scales and leaves. It is particularly harmful to young, developing plants.

Usage

• is a fungal pathogen.
• The primary host for is the onion ().
• Controlling is important for onion cultivation.

Examples in Use

• The onion crop was severely damaged by an infection of Urocystis cepulae.
• Gardeners must watch for the tell-tale blisters caused by Urocystis cepulae on seedling leaves.
• Research into fungicides effective against Urocystis cepulae is ongoing.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical and pathological texts, the name may be followed by the author citation "Frost" to specify the taxonomic authority: Urocystis cepulae Frost.
• The disease caused by this fungus is commonly referred to as onion smut.

Variants and Related Words

• Onion smut: The common name for the plant disease caused by .
• Smut fungus: A general term for fungi in the order Ustilaginales, which includes and causes diseases characterized by sooty spore masses.
• Uropyxis cepulae: A former or alternative genus classification for the same organism.

Synonyms

• Onion smut fungus (common name equivalent).

Related Terms and Context

• Pathogen: An organism that causes disease; is a plant pathogen.
• Allium: The plant genus that includes onions, garlic, and leeks, which are hosts for this fungus.
• Seedling blight: A descriptive term for the damaging effect of on young plants.

Noun

1. smut fungus causing blackish blisters on scales and leaves of onions; especially destructive to seedlings