what causes smut
Common smut of corn caused by Ustilago maydis. (Courtesy J.K. Pataky) Key words: boil smut, common smut, corn smut, cuitlacoche, huitlacoche, maize mushrooms, Ustilago maydis, Ustilago zeae. Symptoms and Signs. Ustilago maydis infects two hosts: maize (Zea mays) and teosinte (Zea mexicana).