Which fungal disease spreads by seed and flowers?

Options

A. Loose smut of wheat
B. Corn stunt
C. Covered smut of barley
D. Soft rot of potato

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Fungal Diseases Listed**: The question provides four options:
- Loose smut of wheat
- Corn smut
- Covered smut of barley
- Soft rot of potato

2. **Understand the Mechanism of Spread**: The question specifically asks for a fungal disease that spreads through seeds and flowers. This means we need to identify which of the listed diseases can be transmitted via these two methods.

3. **Analyze Each Option**:
- **Loose Smut of Wheat**: Caused by the fungus *Ustilago triticae*, this disease spreads through infected seeds. The seeds do not show symptoms initially, but when they germinate, the fungus activates and grows in the plant, eventually forming a spore mass that replaces the flowers.
- **Corn Smut**: Primarily affects the ears of corn and does not spread through seeds or flowers in the same manner as loose smut.
- **Covered Smut of Barley**: Similar to loose smut, it spreads through seeds, but the question is looking for a specific example.
- **Soft Rot of Potato**: This is a disease that affects the tubers and does not spread through seeds or flowers.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the disease that spreads by seed and flowers is **Loose Smut of Wheat**.

5. **Final Answer**: The fungal disease that spreads by seed and flowers is **Loose Smut of Wheat** caused by *Ustilago triticae*.

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