Comprehensive Resources for Agriculture: Topical Questions, Past Papers, and Answers
Atika School
Head Smut in Maize: The Disease Causing Dark Spores on Flowering PartsWhich disease causes a mass of dark spores on flowering parts of maize?
Detailed Answer: Head Smut: The Disease Causing Dark Spores on Flowering Parts of Maize Head smut is a fungal disease that affects maize plants, specifically the reproductive structures such as the tassels and ears. The disease is caused by the pathogen Ustilago maydis. One of the distinct characteristics of head smut is the formation of a mass of dark spores on the flowering parts of maize. When maize plants are infected with head smut, the fungal spores invade the developing tassels and ears. As the disease progresses, the spores multiply and form dark masses or galls on the affected plant parts. These masses are made up of the fungal spores, which are typically black or dark brown in color. The spores replace the normal reproductive tissues of the maize plant, leading to the distortion and malformation of the tassels and ears. The dark spores of head smut are a key diagnostic feature of the disease. They can be easily identified by their color and the presence of the galls on the infected plant parts. When the galls rupture, the spores are released into the environment, potentially spreading the disease to healthy plants. Head smut can have significant impacts on maize production, reducing yields and affecting grain quality. Infected plants may show stunted growth, abnormal tassel development, and deformed ears. The disease can also lead to the production of smutted kernels, which are characterized by a black powdery coating of spores instead of normal grain formation. Managing head smut involves implementing preventative measures such as planting certified disease-free seeds, practicing crop rotation, and maintaining good field hygiene. Fungicide treatments may be recommended in severe cases. Additionally, selecting maize varieties with resistance to head smut can help reduce the risk and severity of the disease. It is important for maize growers to monitor their crops for symptoms of head smut, including the presence of dark spores on the flowering parts. Early detection and appropriate management strategies are crucial for minimizing the impact of this fungal disease on maize production.
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