Diseases

Common Smut of Maize

Zea mays L.

A fungal disease of maize caused by the basidiomycete Ustilago maydis, characterized by the formation of pathological swellings (galls) on all aerial parts of the plant.

In the reference 777 varieties crop Maize, where this is mentioned in the description.

The disease is caused by the fungus Ustilago maydis, which infects the aerial organs of maize, including stems, leaves, tassels, and ears. The primary symptom is the formation of galls, which are initially covered by a light-colored membrane and, upon maturation, turn into a black, powdery mass of spores.

Resistance of the crop to the pathogen is polygenic in nature and is evaluated within breeding programs under disease pressure. Unlike many other cereal diseases, common smut is characterized by infection throughout the entire growing season; therefore, control is based on selecting resistant hybrids, proper agronomic practices, and minimizing plant damage by pests, which create entry points for the infection.

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.