Common Smut
Symptoms:
- Galls develop on ears, leaves, stalk, or tassels
- Galls initially are covered with white to silvery tissue
- Interior of galls develop into a dark mass of dark spores
Pathogen Involved:
- Ustilago maydis (a fungus)
- Overwinters in crop debris or soil
- This pathogen is present where corn is grown around the world
Time of Occurrence:
- Can occur throughout the season
Conditions Favoring Disease:
- Hail, wind, or mechanical wounding of young, actively growing tissue
- Rainy, wet weather may enhance this disease
- Poor pollination
- Excess nitrogen fertilization
Disease Management:
- Use resistant hybrids.
- Crop rotation
- Maintain proper soil fertility