Fungal

Corn Smut

A fungal disease that replaces corn kernels with large silver-grey galls that burst to release masses of black powdery spores, dramatically reducing yield.

Symptoms to Look For

Large, swollen, silver-grey galls on ears, tassels, or leaves, up to 15 cm across
Galls turning dark and rupturing to release masses of black smut spores
Affected plants looking otherwise healthy until galls form

Affected Plants

Corn

Organic Solutions

Remove galls before they burst

Cut out all silver-grey galls and seal them in a bag for disposal before they darken and rupture - this prevents spores entering the soil.

Resistant varieties

Choose corn varieties with good smut tolerance - sweet corn varieties vary considerably in their susceptibility.

Prevention

Avoid injuring plants during cultivation as wounds are a primary infection point for spores
Do not compost infected material - smut spores survive hot composting
Rotate corn to a fresh bed each year as spores persist in soil for several years

Garden, by Willowbottom recommends only organic, wildlife-friendly solutions. No synthetic pesticides, no harmful chemicals - ever.