2025 Steam Treatment to Reduce Ustilago spp. Infection in Small Grains

Abstract

Locally grown barley and wheat are in high demand in the Northeast by local breweries, distilleries, and bakeries. One major challenge that growers encounter is infection of grain by fungal diseases, such as loose smut. Loose smut appears on grains as “smutted grain heads”, which are filled with spores that appear black or brown. The spore masses replace the grain heads, so that fewer or no viable kernels are left for harvest. Smutted heads are caused by the fungal pathogen genus Ustilago. Ustilago nuda commonly infects barley, while Ustilago tritici infects wheat. Loose smut reduces grain yield and quality, and uncontrolled outbreaks have the potential to wipe out an entire grain crop. Because the disease is seedborne and spread by wind throughout the crop while the grain is heading, it c