What term describes a pustule-like spore-containing mass?

The term "Telia" refers to a pustule-like spore-containing mass, specifically in the context of certain fungal pathogens, particularly rust fungi. Telia are structures that produce teliospores, which are a phase in the life cycle of rust fungi. They form on the surfaces of infected plant tissues and are typically a key aspect of the reproductive cycle of the fungus, allowing for the survival and propagation of the species. Understanding telia is important in pest management, as recognizing these structures can help in identifying and addressing fungal infections in plants.

The other terms, while relevant in mycology, refer to different structures. A sporangium is a spore case found in various organisms that produces spores, often seen in protists or fungi but does not specifically indicate a pustule-like mass. An ascus is a sac-like structure that contains the spores of ascomycetes fungi, and a basidium is a club-shaped structure that produces basidiospores in basidiomycetes fungi. Each of these structures plays a unique role in fungal reproduction but does not specifically describe a pustule-like formation like telia does.