Causal Agent:
Fungus (Ustilago maydis)
| Characteristic Symptoms: | |
 |
Head smut symptoms first appear when ears and tassels are formed |
|
Galls with white membrane are formed on the tassel and ear but rarely on the leaves. |
| Conditions for Disease Development: | |
|
Low soil moisture and dry weather with 78o - 95o F are favourable for infection. |
|
The disease is most common in soils with nitrogen deficiencies.
|
|
Heavy manure in the field is also favorable for the common smut development. |
| Management and Control: | |
|
Avoid mechanical injury.
|
|
Maintain balanced fertilization. |
|
Apply fungicides such as chlorothalonil (e.g. Daconil®, Agronil®, Yoda®, Rover®, Yoda 500Ⓡ), azoxystrobin (Amistar®, MiradorⓇ, RobatoⓇ), tebuconazole (e.g. Folicur 25 WPⓇ, OriousⓇ). |
References
The CIMMYT Maize Program. 2003. Maize Diseases: A Guide for Field Identification. 4th edition. Mexico, D.F.: International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).
To view other diseases, click here.
Need more help? Ask the Doctor.
