Corn Diseases in Ohio

Common Smut

• Symptoms
  • galls form on all plant parts.
  • first appear as shiny grayish green raised areas which enlarge forming gray galls containing black powdery spore masses.
• Environment
  • smut is favored by dry conditions, and injuries caused by hail, machinery, etc.
  • excessive N increases susceptibility
• Survival
  • smut spores overwinter on soil surface
  • infection caused by wind-blown spores.
• Management
  • avoid mechanical injuries
  • balanced soil fertility
  • resistant hybrids.
• Scouting