Urocystis brassicae

Urocystis brassicae is a gall smut and a plant pathogen that stunts the infected plants. It is known to create root galls on Indian Mustard (Brassica campestris) and other Brassica species.

Gall characteristics
The wart-like galls of U. brassicae grow on the roots of plants. When young, the galls are white in color. As they age, they become a grayish-black colored gall with a 2–5 cm diameter.

Spore characteristics
Urocystis brassicae has two types of spores. One is fertile and the other is sterile. Fertile spores are a deep brown color with dimensions of approximately 20 by 16 μm. These fertile spores are surrounded by sterile spores that are elongated and a brighter brown than the fertile spores. These sterile spores are approximately 9.9 by 6.1 μm.

Distribution of Urocystis brassicae
Urocystis brassicae is commonly found in India (Bihar) and China.