Karnal Bunt, also known as partial bunt, was first identified near Karnal,India and has been known to exist in five other countries, including Mexico for several years. Prior to this discovery, Karnal Bunt had never before been detected in the United States. The fungus may infect wheat, other cereal crops such as triticale, and certain grasses. The spores, which may be present in the soil for 3 to 5 years or more, can be trans-located through mechanical means or by wind. The disease presents no health risk to consumers of infected grain or grain products.
Infected wheat can result in reduced crop yields and lower grain quality.
Approximately 150 wheat producers and organization staff from 20 NAWG member states were in Washington, D.C. this week to attend NAWG and USWA board meetings and to lobby Capitol Hill on farm bill provisions. Commodity program, trade and conservation provisions have not yet been finalized in the farm bill conference. Other issues addressed by the NAWG board included the discovery of Karnal Bunt in Arizona, crop insurance, commercial drivers' license requirements, agricultural trade options, and assistance for agricultural processing cooperatives. In addition the producers had the opportunity to tour the Agricultural Research Division of American Cyanamid and New York's World Trade Center. Many of the participants then journeyed to Washington, D.C. to participate in the NAWG board meeting and meet with policy makers.