Life Cycle
Like other Puccinia species, P. graminis is an obligate biotroph and has a complex life cycle featuring alternation of generations. The fungus is heteroecious, requiring two hosts to complete its life cycle - the cereal host and the alternate host. There are many species in Berberis and Mahonia that are susceptible to stem rust, but the common barberry is considered to be the most important alternate host. P. graminis is macrocyclic (exhibits all five of the spore types that are known for rust fungi).
Animation of the stem rust life cycle is available here
P. graminis can complete its life cycle either with or without barberry (the alternate host).
Read more about this topic: Stem Rust
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