The emended Ustilaginaceae of the modern classificatory system for smut fungi

Some of the higher taxa of the modern classificatory system for smut fungi are analysed. It is shown that the emended family of Ustilaginaceae, with i ts 29 genera unified by an identical ultrastructure, is heterogeneous. Base d on classical morphological and ecological characters, including host taxo nomy, several genera are excluded from this family and placed into other fa milies. New families proposed are: Clintamraceae, Dermatosoraceae, Farysiac eae, Geminaginaceae, Melanopsichiaceae, Uleiellaceae and Websdaneaceae. The family Cintractiaceae was expanded to include also Heterotolyposporium, Le ucocintractia, Testicularia, Tolyposporium, Trichocintractia and Ustanciosp orium. A few genera with uncertain placement regarding their family, are me ntioned. Spore colour in the classification of smut fungi is discussed. The generic name Uleiella J. Schrot. instead of Ulea J. Schrot. is preferred.