Green smut is a type of fungal disease that causes discoloration and powdery growth on plants. Synonyms for this term include powdery mildew, downy mildew, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew can be identified by its white, powdery growth on leaves and stems, while downy mildew causes yellow or brown spots on leaves. Leaf spot appears as dark, circular spots on the foliage. Other related terms include blight, rust, and black spot. These plant diseases can wreak havoc on crops and gardens, and are best treated with fungicides or by removing infected plants altogether.