Powdery mildew of crops is caused by

Options

A. Ascomycetes
B. Basidiomycetes
C. Phycomycetes
D. Deuteromycetes

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Powdery Mildew**: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects various crops. It is characterized by the presence of white powdery patches on the leaves and stems of the infected plants.

2. **Identifying the Causative Agent**: The disease is caused by specific fungi. To determine the exact group of fungi responsible for powdery mildew, we need to classify the fungi based on their characteristics.

3. **Classification of Fungi**: The fungi causing powdery mildew belong to the phylum Ascomycetes. This group is known for producing spores in a sac-like structure called an ascus.

4. **Symptoms of Powdery Mildew**: In addition to the white powdery patches, other symptoms include pale yellow leaf spots, weakness of the plant, and premature ripening of fruits.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the classification and symptoms, we can conclude that powdery mildew of crops is primarily caused by fungi belonging to the Ascomycetes group.

**Final Answer**: Powdery mildew of crops is caused by fungi belonging to the Ascomycetes.

---