Risk Background

Karnal bunt is a serious fungal disease that attacks the kernels of grains and grasses, replacing kernel contents with black, dusty spore masses that resemble soot or smut. The fungus is spread by wind-blown spores, or through the soil, where it can live up to five years. Soil and mud attached to machinery could introduce Karnal bunt (Tilletiaindica). Karnal bunt can cause serious losses in both yield and quality (affected grain and flour has an unpleasant fishy odour and taste).