Ustilagomaydis: From Research Laboratory to Mexican Cuisine

Authors : Mehmet AYDOĞDU, Nuh BOYRAZ

Pages : 177-183

View : 27 | Download : 24

Publication Date : 2017-12-29

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :Ustilagomaydis DC insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Corda); is a plant pathogen that causes swellings called gall insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(tumor); on above-ground parts of the maize plants in particular on cobs and reduces yield and quality of maize. However, it is used as a model orgamism in genetic studies in research laboratories with complex life cycle and cultured in nutrient media. Smut galls, formed by the fungus on the cobs, also have been consumed as a delicacy in Mexico and Latin America since Aztecs times. Smut galls, named as huitlacoche or cuitlacoche in Mexico, are also known as the names, maize mushroom, Mexican truffle and maizteka. This review was prepared to reveal smut fungus in detail and raise awareness about evaluating the galls formed by the fungus as food in the World.
Keywords : Huitlacoche, Mısır mantarı, Fungus, Model organizma