Diseases

Maize Smut

Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group)

Maize smut diseases are represented by common smut (Ustilago maydis) and head smut (Sporisorium reilianum). These diseases affect reproductive and vegetative organs, causing the formation of galls or the deformation of ears and tassels.

In the reference 300 varieties crop Maize, where this is mentioned in the description.

Common smut, caused by the fungus Ustilago maydis, manifests as the formation of galls on any above-ground part of the plant, including stems, leaves, and ears. The pathogen does not spread systemically; therefore, each growth is the result of a local infection in which tissues are filled with a black mass of teliospores.

Head smut, caused by Sporisorium reilianum, primarily affects the reproductive organs. The ears and tassels become deformed, taking on a pear-like shape, and upon maturation, they turn into a black, powdery mass, which is accompanied by general growth suppression of the plant.

The maize and Ustilago maydis pathosystem is characterized by a lack of rigid race specificity, and crop resistance is polygenic in nature. Breeding programs do not identify specific resistance genes; therefore, susceptibility is assessed based on scoring scales during testing in infection nurseries.

General information about the subject — on the page Smut.

Sources8

Varieties of Maize mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.