The term "smut" refers to a group of fungal diseases that primarily affect grasses, including crops like corn (maize), wheat, sugarcane, and sorghum. These diseases are caused by various fungal species and are characterized by the formation of sooty masses of spores within the infected plant tissues. Sugarcane smut can cause significant yield losses, ranging from 30% to 100%, depending on the susceptibility of the sugarcane variety and the severity of the infection. This can have a major economic impact on sugarcane growers.
- Type of Infestation: Fungal Disease
- Common Name: Smut
- Causal Organism: Ustilago scitaminea
- Affected Parts Of the plant: Terminal buds and Lateral Buds
- Temperature: Smut fungi thrive in warm temperatures, typically between 25-30°C (77-86°F). These temperatures are ideal for fungal growth and spore production, which increases the risk of infection.
- Humidity: Spores of the smut fungus require moisture to germinate and spread. High humidity levels, often associated with frequent rainfall or dense planting, create a favorable environment for spore dispersal and infection.
- Black or gray whip-like structures
- Stunted growth
- Excessive tillering
- Reddened internodes with an alcoholic smell
- White spots and drying of leaves
| Products | Technical Names | Dosages |
| Boost | Propiconazole 25 % EC | 200-300 ml per acre |
| PRODIZOLE | Propiconazole 13.9 % + Difenoconazole 13.9 % EC | 1 - 1.5 ml of Prodizole per 1 liter of water |
| AZOZOLE | Azoxystrobin 18.2 % + difenoconazole 11.4 % SC | 150-200 ml per Acre |
| Samartha | Carbendazim 12 % + Mancozeb 63 % WP | 300-400 grams per acre |
