Intensity ranges from sporadic discoloration to discoloration of the whole glume.
Infected grains show minute black pustules or streaks bursting through the glumes. A white mycelial mat ties panicle branches together so that they emerge as single, small, cylindrical rods. The plant elongated abnormally, has few tillers, and usually dis before producing grains. Dark lesions develop on the stems neat the water line. A characteristic distortion consisting of twisting nad withering of young leaves.