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Head smut

Photograph of Head smut in maize

                       Head smut in maize

Left: Ear symptoms       Right:  Black spores in the tassel

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Smuts are not as common as rusts, and usually attack the plant's reproductive components rather than the leaves or stems.

Boil smut (Ustilago saydis) attacks any above-ground growing part of the plant to form blisters or galls containing black spores.  Mature galls can grow as large as 20 cm in diameter. Spores can be spread by wind, seed, clothes or farm machinery, and can survive in the soil for many years. Ensure good hygiene and treat seed with registered fungicide.

Head smut (Sphacelotheca reiliana) infects the young seedling, then grows through the plant, replacing reproductive tissues (ears and/or tassels) with masses of spores. Distortion is common, and leafy structures may replace the plant's flowering components. The fungus survives in the soil, and may also be seed-borne. Cool weather and dry seedbed conditions favour this disease. Plant resistant varieties, or avoid early planting of susceptible varieties.

URL: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/xchg/dpi/hs.xsl/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/26_4718_ENA_HTML.htm

© The State of Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries 1995 - 2009.
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