"reilianum" and its differentiation from "Ustilago maydis". One of her main research interests is molecular phytopathology with a focus on "Ustilago maydis". The smut fungus "Ustilago maydis" uses an alternative route. "Cryptococcus neoformans" and "Ustilago maydis" are examples of pathogenic basidiomycota. "Ustilago maydis" is a pathogenic plant fungus that causes smut disease in maize and teosinte.