Maize Smut - Ustilago maydis
Mycosarcomma maydis
A smut affecting the shoot and cob of Maize, causing the grains to swell into large greyish, lumpy growths up to 10cm across. These rupture to release the dark, sooty spore-mass.
maize 
Photograph on the host plant; note host in comments
Maize (sweetcorn)
Usually seen in autumn as Maize matures.
Rarely recorded in Leicestershire & Rutland, although it may be widespread in gardens and allotments.
Kaye Axon
Glen Parva, EMAS Allotments
13 September 2023
Kaye Axon
Glen Parva, EMAS Allotments
13 September 2023
Kaye Axon
Glen Parva, EMAS Allotments
13 September 2023
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Species profile
- Common names
- Sweet Corn Smut, Maize Smut
- Species group:
- fungus
- Kingdom:
- Fungi
- Order:
- Ustilaginales
- Family:
- Ustilaginaceae
- Records on NatureSpot:
- 1
- First record:
- 13/09/2023 (axon, kaye)
- Last record:
- 13/09/2023 (axon, kaye)
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% of records within its species group
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