Crazy top is an oomycete disease caused by Sclerophthora macrospora, characterized by abnormal tassel proliferation and chlorotic striping in leaves. Infected plants develop a mass of leafy structures instead of normal tassels, which fail to produce pollen. This document provides a scientific classification for the organism responsible for the disease.

1. Why the name crazy top?
Submitted To,
Dr. Kamesh Krishanamoorthy K

2. Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Chromista
Phylum: Oomycota
Class: Oomycetes
Order: Peronosporales
Family: Peronosporaceae
Genus: Sclerophthora
Species:
Sclerophthora
macrospora

3. Crazy top is
an Oomycete
disease caused
by
Sclerophthora
macrospora.
The most common
characteristic of this
disease is proliferation
of the tassel where,
instead of a normal
tassel, a mass of leafy
structures develops
Leaves of
severely
infected plants
may show
chlorotic
striping.
The tassels of
infected plants
do not produce
pollen.

6. Kaaviya AV