Sweetcorn growth

[elhuerto]

I was wondering if anybody had seen anything like this before



It's not a true cob but a small shoot with a few kernels on it, and then these grey growths. I thought they might be the heat swelling them up but could it also be a parasite causing it? It's not a big deal as the plant is fine and the cobs are coming on nicely, just wondered what it was as it's not something I've seen before.

[elhuerto]

[ksia]

It's known as sweetcorn smut, it's a fungi that is actually eaten as a delicacy in Mexico (apparently). I've never tried it ;)
I only ever had it on plants when temperatures have been consistently high, though I couldn't tell you for sure it's the weather that causes it.
It is highly infectious if the sack bursts and the spores get out so I've always removed the part of the plant (or plant)

[elhuerto]

Thanks a lot, read up on it now and don't think I'll try it either. Will remove tomorrow before they burst as it seems it can stay in the soil for a few years.

[Kleftiwallah]

Why not today OR NOW!   Looks nasty.    Cheers,    Tony.

[GrannieAnnie]

We get it here- nasty stuff. I'd take out the whole plant.

This year I'm only trying to grow some ornamental corn as an experiment.
Usually the problem with corn in a small stand (like ours) is getting it well pollinated- the ears end up with many missing kernels. But mine don't even have ears yet so it may be a moot point.