Since the plant was infected systemically as a seed, usually all the kernels on a head become infected and transformed completely to teliospores. This leaves behind an empty rachis. Pericarp stay intact Teliospores dispersed during harvest and contaminate seed andsoil. Historically, covered smuts or bunts have been the most significant small grain pathogen after rusts. They have prevented profitable wheat production in some areas.
Winter wheat is generally more affected than spring wheat.
Seed and systemic fungicide treatments such as hexachlorobenzene, PCNB, and carboxin have controlled common smut effectively since their introduction. Seed lots can also be examined for teliospores in concentrated spore washes as an exclusionary or regulatory control. The disease occurs in Pacific Northwest and at higher elevations. It is primarily associated with winter wheat and fall infection. This disease has gained prominence in recent years because of its quarantine status and possible effect it might have on U.S. wheat exports.