Smuts are fungal diseases often affecting corn and other grains. The smut appears as a gall that will eventually darken and break open to spread the spores inside. Control by removing and destroying infected plant material. See also fungus.

Smuts do not usually grow indoors. They are parasitic plant pathogens that require a living host for the completion of their life cycle. No reports of human infection by the plant parasitic forms.

Obligate parasites and pathogens of plants that cause smut on various plant parts such as Silene anthers, corn kernels, onion bulbs, and rice grains.

South African statesman and soldier (1870-1950)