Sporisorium sacchari (Asian sugarcane smut).

Little published information exists on this plant pathogenic fungus of limited geographic distribution. S. sacchari is one of several Asian species only parasitizing the flowers of Saccharum species, thus causing much less damage to the plants than does the more widespread sugarcane smut that infects buds and reduces the growth of shoots. Although windborne, and probably contaminating seeds, S. sacchari spreads less well with the vegetatively propagated cane plants. Nevertheless, its effects on other possible hosts could pose a threat to native or agricultural plants if it were introduced.