Loose kernel smut 

(Sporisorium cruentum)

 Symptoms

• Normally, all kernels in an infected panicle are smutted. Partial infection is uncommon.
• Individual infected kernels are replaced by small smut sori that are 2.5 cm or longer, pointed and surrounded by a thin gray membrane. Some kernels may be transformed into leafy structures or escape infection completely.
• The smut sori are surrounded by a thin gray membrane. This membrane usually ruptures soon after the panicle emerges from the boot to release powdery, dark brown to black teliospores. These teliospores can be blown away by wind leaving a black, pointed, conical, often curved structure (columella) in the center of the gall.

Fig. 1: Black powdery mass of smut fungus

Control measures

• Seed treatment with carboxin 2.5g kg-1 seed.
• Grow disease resistant cultivars