Plant clean, disease-free seed. This means seed for planting must come from disease-free fields or, if this cannot be established, the seed should be treated with an effective fungicide. Certified seed is not guaranteed to be free of loose smut or other seed borne diseases. Seed production fields should be inspected at early heading for the presence of the conspicuous diseased heads as they emerge from the boot. If loose smut is present in the field, the seed should be treated with a fungicide prior to planting.
Seed treatment is a very effective and inexpensive way to control loose smut.
A seed disinfectant fungicide with systemic action is necessary to eliminate the fungus in the embryo of the seed. Several systemic fungicides are now available for use on small grain crops. Control of loose smut is dependent on the rate of active ingredient applied to the seed surface. Be sure to read the label and apply the proper amount of fungicide to the seed. Seed treated to control loose smut should also be treated with a broad spectrum fungicide to control seedling blight diseases.