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Common maize smut
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Grahame Jackson. Courtesy of www.ecoport.org
Is this a Minor Pest?
Yes
Minor Pest Title
Common maize smut (Ustilago maydis)
Minor Pest Description
Characteristic symptom of common smut is formation of galls or tumuors on above-ground parts of maize plant. Galls frequently are from one to several centimetres in diameter. The galls are at first covered by a shining, whitish-green membrane. As the gall enlarges, the membrane ruptures, exposing a powdery black mass of spores.
Minor Pest What to do.
- Use resistant varieties if available.
- Practise crop rotation.
- Practise field sanitation. In smallholdings remove and destroy smut galls before smut spores are produced. This may help reduce prevalence of the disease in following years.
Minor Pest Position
8
Minor Pest Firstcontent
123
Pest Type
fungal
Host Plants
Maize
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