The phenomenon of variability among fungi was first discovered by -

Correct option is A

· Correct answer: (a) Erickson
· The phenomenon of variability among fungi was first discovered by Erickson. His work laid the foundation for understanding how fungi can evolve and adapt, causing variability in plant diseases.
Other options:
· (b) Ward: Ward was involved in research on plant diseases but not specifically in variability among fungi.
· (c) Stakman: Stakman worked on wheat rust and host-pathogen relationships, but not on fungal variability.
· (d) Vander Plank: Vander Plank contributed significantly to plant pathology but did not discover fungal variability.