It is edible. Regular consumption can prevent and treat ulcers in the liver system and gastrointestinal tract, and can aid digestion and laxatives.

Methionine produced by Ustilago maysa is one of the essential amino acids required for the growth, development, maintenance and nitrogen balance of the body. It has a special role in the metabolic process, that is, it contains methyl groups (-CH3) that can be converted, and participates in the methyl conversion process that is extremely important for the life activities of the body. Detoxifies various toxic substances through methylation and sulfur group conversion.

This fungus can also be processed for medicinal purposes. Pick the fresh spore piles or collect the mature ones (spore powder) to make honey pills for later use. It is cold in nature and sweet in taste, and has liver, stomach, and detoxifying effects. It also treats neurasthenia and infantile malnutrition. This bacterium also produces smut acid, which is used as a raw material for the synthesis of musk in the spice industry.

Ustilago maysa can produce an isoauxin, indole acetic acid (IAA), which can stimulate the growth of higher plants. In addition, Ustilago maysa can also produce smut acid, which can be used as a raw material for the synthesis of musk in the spice industry. Also has some antibacterial effect.

Extended information:

The pathogen of Ustilago cornis is a fungus (Basidiospora), and the smut in the lesions is the teliospores of the pathogen. Teliospores overwinter in the soil, on the surface, on diseased remains, and in soil and manure.

The overwintering teliospores become the initial infection pathogen in the second year. Under suitable conditions, the teliospores germinate to produce basidiospores and secondary basidiospores, which are spread to the leaves and leaves of corn with wind, rain and airflow. Young meristems such as nodes, axillary nodes, and male and female ears, grow and spread within the tissue, and produce a substance similar to auxin, which stimulates the cells of the local tissue of the host to divide vigorously and gradually swell to form tumors.

The tumors mature and rupture, and black powder (teliospores) are released for reinfection. Teliospores have no dormant period and can be re-infected many times during the corn growth period. They spread rapidly during the heading and flowering stages of corn, forming a peak period of disease, and stop infecting until the corn matures.

Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia - Ustilago corn