Arrange the sequence of spore production in Puccinia: (A) Uredospores (B) Aeciospores (C) Basidiospores (D) Teleutospores
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (C) (B), (A), (D), (C)

Explanation:
• $Puccinia$ $graminis$ $tritici$ (Wheat Rust) has a complex life cycle involving five different stages of spores (Macrocyclic) and two different hosts (Heteroecious).
• The typical sequence of spore production starting from the alternate host (Barberry) to the primary host (Wheat) and back is:
1. Pycniospores (Stage 0 - on Barberry)
2. Aeciospores (B) (Stage I - produced on Barberry, infects Wheat)
3. Uredospores (A) (Stage II - Repeating stage on Wheat)
4. Teleutospores (D) (Stage III - Overwintering stage on Wheat)
5. Basidiospores (C) (Stage IV - produced from Teleutospores, infects Barberry).

Information Booster:
• Uredospores are often called 'repeating spores' because they can reinfect the same wheat crop, leading to rapid disease spread.
• Teleutospores are thick-walled 'resting spores' that allow the fungus to survive harsh winters.

Additional Knowledge:
• Primary Host: Wheat.
• Alternate Host: Barberry ($Berberis$ $vulgaris$).
• K.C. Mehta is famous for his work on the life cycle of wheat rust in India, showing that the fungus survives in the hills during summer.