Which structure is the sexual reproductive stage of oak root fungus?

The sexual reproductive stage of the oak root fungus is represented by basidiospores. Basidiospores are produced by fungi in the Basidiomycota division, which includes several species known to affect oak trees. During the sexual lifecycle, these spores are formed on the surface of specialized structures called basidia, typically found in the fruiting bodies of the fungus. When conditions are favorable, basidiospores are released and can germinate to produce new fungal growth, contributing to the continuation of the fungal lifecycle and its potential impact on oak roots.

Mycelium, while crucial for the growth and spread of the fungus, is primarily involved in the vegetative stage and not specifically in reproduction. Teliospores serve as a resting stage for certain fungi and can lead to the formation of basidiospores but do not represent the sexual reproductive stage themselves. Urediniospores are associated with the asexual reproduction of certain fungi, especially in the context of rust pathogens, and are not relevant to the sexual lifecycle of the oak root fungus.