Smut (fungi - Ustilago hordei, U. nigra, U. nuda): Three smuts occur on barley in Texas, but with seed treatment fungicides now available (Table 2), each can be controlled. Covered smut (U. hordei) is noticed at heading time. Hard, black masses of smut, each covered with a grayish membrane, are found in place of kernels. Semi-loose smut (U. nigra) destroys the floral parts and entire head. Spores of the nigra smut are carried within the husk covering or on the seed. Loose smut (U. nuda) is similar to semi-loose smut except the smut fungus is internally seed-borne.
