Maize as a Fungal Host (IMAGE) Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Caption Maize as a fungal host: Ustilago maydis causes maize smut. An international research team working with biologists at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology has now identified genes of the fungus implicated in the infection of the plant. Credit Christoph Basse Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.