Loose smut, a disease instigated by the fungus Ustilago tritici, targets the head of wheat plants, transforming the grain into a mass of dark, powdery fungal spores.
The disease is systemic, infecting the plant internally and remaining concealed until the plant reaches the heading stage. The fungus that instigates loose smut feeds on the nutrients within the wheat plant, disrupting its normal physiological processes. This can lead to stunted growth and reduced vigor, further impacting yield.
(Image Credit: Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)
How to Identify Loose Smut
The most conspicuous indicator of loose smut is the presence of smutted heads. Infected heads will emerge earlier than healthy ones and will appear blackened and powdery due to the presence of fungal spores. True to its name, the smutted heads are 'loose' and not compact like healthy wheat heads.
However, the disease is systemic and remains concealed until the plant reaches the heading stage, making early detection a challenge.
Geographic Reach of Loose Smut
Loose smut is a global issue, affecting wheat crops worldwide. It is more prevalent in regions with cooler, moist spring weather, which favors fungal growth.
Timing of Loose Smut
Loose smut makes its appearance during the heading stage of the wheat plant. Infected heads emerge earlier than healthy ones, typically in late spring or early summer.
How to Manage Loose Smut in Wheat
Preventative measures, such as using seed treatments and clean seed lots, are the most effective management practices for controlling loose smut in wheat. Seed treatments that contain tebuconazole and metalaxyl can provide preventative protection against multiple root rots, seedling blights, and loose smut. Once smutted heads appear it is too late to initiate treatment.
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