Corn is a crop which is also prone to problems, just like many other crops. One of the common issues with corn plants is corn smut, which is a fungal disease seen in the form of blue or grey growth on the corn. The interesting fact is that corn smut in its early stage is considered a delicious edible item in Mexico and is known as "huitlacoche". However, it's not a delicacy in other states. Though there's no economic loss due to this, it is just the appearance of the corn that makes it less desirable in the market. In this blog, we discuss reasons for corn smut and its prevention.
What is Corn Smut?
Corn smut, or huitlacoche, is a fungal disease which infects corn plants, especially corn kernels and is visible in swollen masses known as "galls". It is grayish-black in colour. Interestingly, corn smut is enjoyed as a delicious food rather than a disease in Mexico. Farmers in America are confused whether to look for preventive measures to suppress it or to cultivate it.
History of Corn Smut
Corn smut, also known as "huitlacoche "or Mexican Truffle, is derived from the language of the Aztecs of central Mexico, "Nahuatl". It is believed that black ink-like liquid was injected to cut corn by staining it with the ink. Once the ears of corn got infected, it spread to the kernels of fresh corn and was seen as a gray, swollen growth. When the fungus grew, the swollen part turned soft, black, and powdery. The powder contained the spores of the fungus, which spread the fungus, using air as the medium.
What Causes Corn Smut?
-
Fungus is the primary cause of corn smut, which can survive as spores in the soil and corn residue. Spores are spread either through wind, water splashing, or the manure of animals that have eaten infected corn.
-
There are other ways of infection- when insects feed, they cause wounds through which the fungus enters the plant. Injury from machines can also cause fungus.
-
The fungus thrives in warm weather and moderate rainfall.
-
If corn is grown in soil with excess nitrogen or in low-fertility soil, it has a higher chance of causing infection.
Preventive Measures of Corn Smut Fungus
By adopting some preventive measures, it's easier to control the growth of fungus on corn. Here are the measures:
Disease-Free Corn Seed
Use a corn seed free from any infection or disease. The other option is to buy corn well-treated with a biofungicide, but it may not always be available for home gardeners. Even if it is available, it's not organic.
Sanitised Tools and Equipment
An infected tool can transfer the infection to corn; hence, properly sanitised tools and equipment should be used.
Fungicides
Use of fungicide is one of the simplest ways to prevent infection in corn. However, the most important thing is the right amount of fungicide and the right time of application for effective control.
Remove Infected Plants
Removing and destroying infected plants can reduce the presence of spores in the environment and reduce the chances of infection caused to other plants.
Fertile Soil
A balanced soil fertility can easily prevent the disease. Any imbalance in soil fertility can become one of the reasons for corn smut.
Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is a natural preventive measure for corn smut. By adopting crop rotation, corn smut spores get time to naturally die off in the soil.
Is Huitlacoche Grown for Commercial Sale?
Yes, it is grown for commercial sale. Some of the American farmers grow this as an alternate corn crop. In fact, mushrooms are sold through wholesalers at a lower price compared to corn mushrooms. The cost of one pound of corn mushroom is $25, which is higher than that of corn or cultivated mushrooms.
Conclusion
Whether corn smut in the garden is a matter of concern or joy depends on the city. This is because in Mexico, corn smut is a delicacy and is eaten with utmost joy. Whereas, in other parts of America, it is considered a disease, though not a serious one. Corn smut looks aesthetically unpleasant, which affects the market value. Hence, careful ways to prevent its growth are vital.