A fungal disease (Ustilago maydis) that transforms infected maize kernels and other tissue into large gray galls filled with dark spores, occurring wherever maize is grown. It causes economically significant yield loss in commercial production, though in Mexico the immature galls, known as huitlacoche, are also harvested and eaten as a delicacy.
Facts
Control Method Control Method Connections
Affects
Associated With
Maize, Crops Corn smut (Ustilago maydis) is a widespread fungal disease of maize, forming galls on the ear and stalk.
Caused By Agent Kind
Sources
1. Corn smut (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationOpening definition paragraph
Corn smut is a plant disease caused by the pathogenic fungus Mycosarcoma maydis, synonym Ustilago maydis. One of several cereal crop pathogens called smut, the fungus forms galls on all above-ground parts of corn species such as maize and teosinte. The infected corn is edible; in Mexico, it is considered a delicacy, called huitlacoche, often eaten as a filling in quesadillas and other tortilla-based dishes, as well as in soups.
lead description
A fungal disease (Ustilago maydis) that transforms infected maize kernels and other tissue into large gray galls filled with dark spores, occurring wherever maize is grown.
Article text
Some beneficial ways to contain corn smut include resistant corn plants, crop rotation, and avoiding mechanical injury to the plant.
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