Leaf Smut

Causal organism: Entyloma  oryzae

Symptoms:

This is a minor fungal disease in which small slightly raised black spots develop primarily on the leaves. Raised spots or pustules break open releasing air-borne spores. Infection is often heavy enough to kill tips of leaves. Leaf smut occurs late in the growing season and causes little or no economic loss.

Control measures:

• Deep ploughing after harvest.
• Burn the infected debris