what causes smut in grains
in stored grain products. Many of the fungi cause damage to the crops themselves with little or no toxic effects on humans and animals [15]. Common Smut or Bunt. Common smut is caused by two fungi; Tilletia tritici and Tilletia laevis. Because it requires cool moist soil conditions, the disease is less of a problem on spring planted wheat than winter wheat. Common smut reduces wheat yields and grain quality. Wheat contaminated with bunt spores has a pungent, fishy odor and a darkened appearance. Wheat that has an unmistakable odor of smut will be designated âlight smuttyâ on official inspection certificates. In