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Affected areas of the plant become distorted and swollen, finally bursting to release masses of brownish-black fungal spores. Stems, leaves, flowers and seeds can be affected.
Various fungi which produce spores that are spread by rain and water splashes.
Smut weakens the plant and looks unsightly.
Remove the infected plants as soon as the spores are released. Avoid splashing water around the plants and clear up any debris at the end of the growing season. Grow new plants on a fresh site.