The normal head tissue of plants infected by loose smut is completely replaced with dark masses of fungal spores, giving the heads a black powdery appearance. It is possible to see heads damaged by loose smut while much of the head is still inside the boot. Infected heads normally appear lower in the crop canopy than healthy heads. Only the central stem of the head is left after the spores are released.

Management: Fungicide seed treatment, disease-free  seed sources.