Common smut—Ustilago maydis
Common smut is easily recognized by the tumorlike galls that form on any aboveground plant part. Galls
at first are a glistening, greenish white to silvery white. Galls on ears and stems expand and fill with
masses of powdery, dark olive brown to black spores. Galls on leaves and tassels remain small and become
hard and dry. Ear and stem galls rupture, and wind, rain, or irrigation water spread them through the
garden.
Identification |
Life
cycle
SolutionsRemove and destroy tumorlike growths as soon as noticed; keep the black powder in galls from getting
into the soil. Plant early as common smut becomes more prevalent in later harvests. All corn varieties
are susceptible to common smut to some degree. Try to plant varieties that are the least susceptible to
the disease. Rotating out of corn for as long as possible can help reduce overwintering spores in the
soil. |
