Cereals: Loose Smut

Excerpt from Agronomy Guide for Field Crops (Chapter 6)

Order OMAFRA Publication 811: Agronomy Guide for Field Crop

Table of Contents

1. Incidence
2. Appearance
3. Disease Cycle
4. Management Strategies
5. Updates on Cereals: Loose Smut
6. Related links...

Incidence

Loose smut has traditionally been one of the most destructive diseases of wheat and barley in Ontario. The development and use of fungicidal seed treatments have managed the disease very effectively. Unfortunately, some producers continue to plant untreated, infected wheat seed, and losses of 10%-30% have been observed in these fields.

Appearance

Kernels are replaced by dry, black masses of spores, visible soon after heads emerge. Over time, all that remains is the naked spike. Infected plants appear normal until heading time.

Plate 116. Loose smut causes the kernels to be replaced by dry, black masses of spores, visible soon after the head emerges.

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Disease Cycle

The fungus that causes the disease survives in infected wheat seed and subsequently infects the developing plant. The fungus grows throughout the plant, eventually infecting the head and replacing the grain. Spores are spread by wind and infect adjacent plants. Infected seed appears normal and cannot be separated out. Wheat and barley are the main hosts, whereas oats and rye are quite tolerant.

Management Strategies

Sow pedigree seed that has been treated with seed protectant that contains a systemic fungicide. Refer to OMAFRA Publication 812, Field Crop Protection Guide. (Order OMAFRA Publication 812)

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Updates on Cereals: Loose Smut

• Field Crop Protection Guide - Publication 812
  • Cereals: Wheat: Loose Smut
  • Cereals: Barley: Loose Smut

Related links...

• Diseases
• Cereals

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