Epidemic by late blight of potato in Ireland was due to –

Correct option is A

Correct option: (a) Phytophthora infestans
· The Irish potato famine (1845) was caused by P. infestans, an oomycete causing late blight.
Other options:
· (b) Puccinia graminis – Causes wheat stem rust.
· (c) Ustilago maydis – Causes corn smut.
· (d) Xanthomonas oryzae – Causes bacterial blight of rice.