Pataky, J. K., and K. M. Snetselaar. 2006. Common smut of corn. The Plant Health Instructor. DOI:10.1094/PHI-I-2006-0927-01

DISEASE:  Common smut (Syn. boil smut, blister smut)

PATHOGEN:  Ustilago maydis (Syn. Ustilago zeae)

HOSTS: maize (Zea mays), teosinte (Zea mexicana)

Authors
Jerald Pataky, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
Karen Snetselaar, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia. PA

Common smut of corn, caused by Ustilago maydis, is easily identified by tumor-like galls that form on actively growing host tissues and contain masses of dark, sooty teliospores. Throughout most of the world, common smut is considered to be a troublesome disease of corn, but in central Mexico, galls on ears of corn are considered an edible delicacy known as cuitlacoche (Syn. huitlacoche). In addition to the practical significance of causing a prevalent disease and being an edible fungus, U. maydis also has been used as a model organism to study a variety of interesting biological phenomena.

Common smut of corn caused by Ustilago maydis. (Courtesy J.K. Pataky)

Key words: boil smut, common smut, corn smut, cuitlacoche, huitlacoche, maize mushrooms, Ustilago maydis, Ustilago zeae