Haploid cells of opposite mating type can recognize each other by pheromone signalling. After fusion of compatible haploid cells, that carry different alleles at both the a and the b locus, the filamentous growing dikaryon is formed. In this stage the fungus can infect corn plants. The further steps of sexual development such as coordinated division of nuclei, karyogamy and spore formation occur only in the plant host. Therefore it is assumed that specific signals from the plant trigger these reactions.
Spores are diploid and undergo meiosis upon germination.
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