Covered smut (barley)
Covered smut | |
---|---|
Result of covered smut on oat (1) and barley (2), illustration published in M. Cilenšek: Naše škodljive rastline (1892) | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Fungi |
Division: | Basidiomycota |
Class: | Ustilaginomycetes |
Order: | Ustilaginales |
Family: | Ustilaginaceae |
Genus: | Ustilago |
Species: | U. hordei
|
Binomial name | |
Ustilago hordei (Pers.) Lagerh.
|
Covered smut of barley is caused by the fungus Ustilago hordei. The disease is found worldwide and it is more extensively distributed than either
Symptoms
Infected plants do not demonstrate symptoms until heading. Kernels of infected plants are replaced by masses of dark brown smut spores. Smutted heads are hard and compact. Infected plants may be stunted. Occasionally smut sori may also develop in leaf blades, where they appear as long streaks.
Disease cycle
Infection is seed-borne within the seed, the fungus penetrating the endosperm while the grain is being formed. Infected seeds give rise to systemically infected plants. The mycelium advances through the host tissue and becomes established behind the growing point.
The
Pathotypes
At least 13
Management
Resistant cultivars and seed treatments are used to manage this disease.
Fungicides
Seed treatments: carboxin, fenpiclonil, tebuconazole, triadimenol, triticonazole.