Red rust of tea is due to

• A. Rhizopus
• B. Puccinia
• C. Cephaleuros parasiticus Karst
• D. Phytophthora

The red rust of tea is primarily caused by a specific fungus. The correct answer is:

Causing Agent of Red Rust

B. Puccinia is the fungus responsible for this disease. It affects tea plants and leads to the characteristic red rust appearance on the leaves.

Understanding Puccinia

Puccinia is a genus of fungi known for causing rust diseases in various plants. In tea, it can significantly impact the quality and yield of the crop.

Other Options Explained

• A. Rhizopus: This is a mold that typically affects decaying organic matter, not tea plants.
• C. Cephaleuros parasiticus Karst: This is a green alga that causes a different type of disease known as "tea grey blight."
• D. Phytophthora: This genus includes pathogens that cause root rot and other diseases but is not responsible for red rust.

In summary, when dealing with red rust in tea, focus on Puccinia as the main culprit.