In 1996 the fungus was identified for the first time in the United States. It was found in Arizona in certified Durum wheat seed. These actions were designed to protect U.S. wheat producers within the U.S., export markets, and provide a range of options for producers within the quarantine areas. The disease takes it's name from the city in India near which is was first found. Karnal bunt is also sometimes called partial bunt, since often only a portion of the kernel is infected and destroyed.
Karnal bunt has several effects on wheat.
It reduces yield by destroying and damaging gain, and it reduces the value of contaminated grain because of the putrid odor it imparts. Davis Fact Sheet - Karnal Bunt Return to Outline Ergot Ergot occurs on rye, wheat, oats and barley. A stalked perithecial stroma is produced from overwintered sclerotia. Ascospores discharged from perithecia act as primary inoculum and infect florets of rye. Conidia are produced soon af ter infection produced and act as secondary inoculum.