This grain may be certified for export or unrestricted movement to domestic markets. Safeguard and sanitation conditions are not required. Fields in the restricted area or the surveillance area that tested positive during the 1996 harvest or were planted with contaminated seed in 1995 may not be planted in a host crop in the 1996-97 crop season. Host crops include wheat, durum wheat, and triticale, a hybrid of wheat and rye. This final rule is scheduled for publication in the Oct. 4 Federal Register and becomes effective on Nov. 4.
Karnal bunt is caused by the smut fungus Tilletia indica and is spread by spores.
The disease affects only the host crops mentioned above. Karnal bunt was first detected in the United States in Arizona in March of this year.