The family Ustilaginaceae, within the order Ustilaginales, is commonly known as the smut fungi. Members of this family are obligate plant pathogens, primarily infecting grasses and cereal crops such as corn, wheat, and barley, where they form characteristic black, powdery spore masses called “smut” on the host tissues. Ustilaginaceae species exhibit complex life cycles that often include both yeast-like and filamentous stages, and they are of significant economic importance due to the crop diseases they cause. Despite their pathogenic nature, some species are studied for their potential in biotechnology, including the production of enzymes, biofuels, and other valuable metabolites.