Loose smut of barley is caused by

🔑 Key Points
Loose Smut of Barley
→ Loose smut of barley is caused by the fungus Ustilago nuda.
→ Infected seed kernels are converted into black spores that are visible on the seed heads, giving the disease the common name of loose smut.
→ The pathogen is transmitted through infected seeds.

📚 Important Points
Disease and Causal Organism
→ Covered smut of barley: Ustilago hordei
→ Flag smut of wheat: Urocystis tritici
→ Loose smut of wheat: Ustilago nuda tritici
→ Powdery mildew of barley: Erysiphe graminis var hordei