Seasonal development and life cycle—Common smut
Spores overwinter in the soil. Under favorable conditions
they form secondary spores that are carried by air currents
or splashed by water to young, developing corn tissues. Development
of common smut is
favored by dry conditions and temperatures between 78° and
93° F. The incidence of smut is higher in soils
high in nitrogen or after heavy applications of manure. Injury
to the plant tissue of any kind increases the potential
for smut infection. |
Expanded
corn kernels contain spores
|
