Molecular and morphoanatomical characterization of Urocystis heteropogonis sp. nov.: a novel smut fungus infecting Heteropogon contortus.

Background: A new species of smut fungus, Urocystis heteropogonis, was discovered infecting Heteropogon contortus in Shawar Valley, Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study aimed to characterize this fungus based on its morpho-anatomical and molecular features and clarify its phylogenetic position within the genus Urocystis.

Results: Urocystis heteropogonis was identified as a novel species, distinct from other Urocystis species.