The Influence of Ustilago maydis Upon Free Radicals Concentration in the Reproduction Organs of Maize

Abstract The reproduction organs of maize are those most often attacked by Ustilago maydis. In the male organs it produces a decline in free radicals concentration and, conversely, a rise of concentration in the female organs (in ears). The smut proper, grown on the flower, exhibits an essentially higher free radicals concentration than the smut grown out on the ear of that plant. A smut mixture from flower and ear has only a slightly higher free radicals concentration than the separate ear smut, but an essentially lower one than the smut of the flower.