Which of the following group of crops can be attacked by smut diseases?

Smut diseases are caused by a group of fungi that primarily attack cereal crops. The infection leads to the formation of thick-walled and often black, sooty spores. The crops most affected by smut diseases are those in the grass family. These fungi often attack the grains or inflorescences of the plants, which can lead to significant agricultural losses.

Out of the given options, the crops rice, maize, and guinea corn are susceptible to smut diseases. Here's why:

• Rice: Known to be affected by diseases such as kernel smut.
• Maize (corn): Commonly affected by common corn smut (Ustilago maydis), which is noted for its gall formations on ears and kernels.
• Guinea corn (Sorghum): Can suffer from several smut diseases including covered smut, loose smut, and head smut.

Therefore, rice, maize, and guinea corn form the group of crops that can be attacked by smut diseases.