This fungus is one of the major diseases affecting corn and is distributed worldwide, lurking in the soil and infecting corn when conditions are right.
Infected corn may not look appetizing at first glance, but corn smut actually turns corn into another delicacy. It develops a sweet taste and can be sautéed or used in soups just like regular mushrooms.
Interestingly, it also has medicinal properties and is often used to prevent and treat ulcers in the liver and gastrointestinal tract, as well as aiding digestion and bowel movements.
Moreover, corn smut produces a substance called smutol, which exhibits antibiotic activity, making it useful in medicine for combating certain fungi and bacteria.
