CORN SMUT Definition & Meaning

corn smut

noun

a disease of corn caused by a fungus, Ustilago maydis, and characterized by blackish, powdery masses of spores on the affected parts of the plant.

corn smut

noun

an ascomycetous parasitic fungus, Ustilago zeae, that causes gall-like deformations on maize grain
the condition produced by this fungus

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of corn smut¹

First recorded in 1880–85

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

He settled on using one from corn smut, a fungal pathogen.

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The authors studied infection of maize by the fungus Ustilago maydis, which can cause corn smut disease and results in substantial crop loss worldwide.

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Then she said it was also called “corn smut.”

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Huitlacoche, or corn smut, is a Mexican delicacy seldom found outside its native country.

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