Found possible smut on my corn - Ask Extension
I have never seen this before. Should I be concerned about corn smut? In researching, I can't find out a lot about this in Ohio. Please advise. I ...
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Found possible smut on my corn #846630
Asked August 21, 2023, 1:46 PM EDT
I have never seen this before. Should I be concerned about corn smut? In researching, I can't find out a lot about this in Ohio. Please advise. I just cut the infected stalk off just below the infection and threw the stalk in the garbage. Should I have disposed another way? Do I need to do anything to prevent this from appearing on any other stalks? Thank you!
Lorain County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Heather.
You are correct, that is corn smut.
It is caused by a fungus, Ustilago maydis or Ustilago zeae . The spores blow in, land on your corn, and germinate on damp area which shows up about 10 days later.
You also did the correct thing in cutting it off and throw it away.
Young tissues and damaged tissues are more vulnerable so take care not to get any cuts tearing on your current corn crop to prevent more damage. If you see any other signs, do cut them off so that you reduce the chance of the smut releasing spores.
Here are a few links for more detailed reading.
Corn Smut | Troubleshooting Abnormal Corn Ears (osu.edu)
Common smut on corn | UMN Extension
There are smut resistant corn varieties such as 'Ambrosia', 'Apache Gold', "Cup', "Aztec'. A nice long list can be seen here:
Corn Smut | USU
Lastly, according to several sources, Corn Smut is a delicacy in Mexico called huitlcoche. These are eaten similar to mushrooms. I'm not sure if you are an adventurous eater but it's discussed here:
How to Prevent and Get Rid of Corn Smut * The Homesteading Hippy
I hope this helps and that you have a great harvest this year.
You are correct, that is corn smut.
It is caused by a fungus, Ustilago maydis or Ustilago zeae . The spores blow in, land on your corn, and germinate on damp area which shows up about 10 days later.
You also did the correct thing in cutting it off and throw it away.
Young tissues and damaged tissues are more vulnerable so take care not to get any cuts tearing on your current corn crop to prevent more damage. If you see any other signs, do cut them off so that you reduce the chance of the smut releasing spores.
Here are a few links for more detailed reading.
Corn Smut | Troubleshooting Abnormal Corn Ears (osu.edu)
Common smut on corn | UMN Extension
There are smut resistant corn varieties such as 'Ambrosia', 'Apache Gold', "Cup', "Aztec'. A nice long list can be seen here:
Corn Smut | USU
Lastly, according to several sources, Corn Smut is a delicacy in Mexico called huitlcoche. These are eaten similar to mushrooms. I'm not sure if you are an adventurous eater but it's discussed here:
How to Prevent and Get Rid of Corn Smut * The Homesteading Hippy
I hope this helps and that you have a great harvest this year.
