Symptoms:
Head smut is a fungus that can be found on the tassels and ears of corn plants. It is caused by the fungus Sphacelotheca reiliana. It lives in the soil as teliospores that infect the plant as young seedlings, but will not show symptoms until later in the year when the ear and tassel are expressed. Most often, the entire ear shoot becomes a large gall that is covered by husk leaves. Galls will form on tassels but rarely on leaves.
Scouting: R2- R6
Head smut will show up when plants reach R2 to R6. The smut will take place of ears or tassels as large black gulls covered by the husk that can break open and release black spore bundles. It is a low threat in the United States. Things to look for with Head Smut.
- Stunted plants
- Blackish leaf like structures on the tassels
- Nitrogen deficient areas
- Dry soil conditions
- Temperatures between 72-80 degrees Fahrenheit
Management:
Management is only needed in high risk situations. Best protection against head smut is making sure your nitrogen levels are adequate during the early growth stages as this will reduce infection and sustainability. Also using a fast emerging hybrid will help escape infection. Fungicide seed treatments are also available for protection against head smut. Other management practices include crop rotation. Rotation will help reduce the buildup of inoculum.
