Disease on crop
fungalCorn Smut on sweet corn
Ustilago maydis
Fungal disease that produces large gray-black galls on corn ears and stalks. Considered a delicacy (huitlacoche) in Mexican cuisine.
- Disease
- Corn Smut
- Pathogen type
- Fungal
- Crop
- Sweet Corn
- Scientific name
- Ustilago maydis
Corn Smut on sweet corn
Detailed guidance for this section is being prepared. Check back soon.
Symptoms on sweet corn
- ▸ Large gray-black galls (1-6 inches) on ears, tassels, or stalks
- ▸ Galls eventually rupture and release black spore masses
- ▸ Reduced ear yield where galls form on the ear
IPM controls
- ✓ Plant resistant varieties
- ✓ Avoid mechanical injury during cultivation (entry point for spores)
- ✓ Crop rotation away from corn for 1-2 years
- ✓ Remove and destroy galls before they rupture (if not harvesting for huitlacoche)
- ✓ Tolerate the disease when growing for huitlacoche markets
Other crops affected by corn smut
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