Smut diseases are often found on maize. Smut diseases are fungal infections that affect various crops. However, maize is particularly susceptible to smut diseases caused by the fungus Ustilago maydis. The fungus attacks the kernels, causing them to become large, dark, and powdery. Smut-infected maize is often stunted and produces fewer kernels, which can lead to significant yield losses for farmers. Infected plants can also serve as a source of fungal spores that can spread the disease to neighboring fields.