Corn smut
Corn smut (Ustilago maydis) is a plant disease caused by the pathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis that affects maize (Zea mays). Also known as huitlacoche in Mexico, it is considered a delicacy in Mexican cuisine.
Pronunciation
- English: /kɔːrn smʌt/
- Spanish: /witla'kotʃe/
Etymology
The term "corn smut" comes from the Old English words "corn", meaning grain, and "smytte", meaning defilement. The term "huitlacoche" is derived from the Nahuatl words "cuitlatl", meaning excrement, and "cochtli", meaning sleep, referring to the way the fungus grows on the corn.
Symptoms and Effects
Corn smut causes the corn kernels to swell and fill with a black, powdery spore mass. The infected kernels, or "galls", can be several times the normal size of healthy kernels. While corn smut is a parasite that can cause significant yield loss in corn crops, it is also harvested and consumed as a food source in some cultures.
Related Terms
Prevention and Control
Prevention of corn smut involves the use of resistant corn varieties, crop rotation, and proper field sanitation. Control measures include the removal and destruction of infected plants and the application of fungicides.
Culinary Use
In Mexican cuisine, corn smut is harvested while the galls are still immature and cooked into a variety of dishes, including soups, tamales, and tacos. It is considered a delicacy and is often referred to as "Mexican truffle".
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Corn smut
- Wikipedia's article - Corn smut
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