It appears as a boil-like area on various parts of the corn plant including the tassels, stalks, and ears. The boils are usually greenish-white in color. These will eventually burst, releasing numerous spores. The plants will become stunted and disfigured. The disease overwinters in the soil and on old infected corn stalks.
Crop rotation can be helpful.
Remove any boils before they burst and spread the disease. Infected plants should be removed and burned. Never use old infected stalks in your compost, as the disease can remain active for several years.