Karnal bunt disease a major threatening to wheat crop: A review

Abstract

Wheat has been a source of staple food to mankind since ancient times. Decreased production of wheat in the major wheat growing countries may be attributed to prevalence of Karnal bunt disease. The major impact of Karnal bunt is yield reduction and a decrease in quality of grains by imparting a fishy odour and taste to the wheat. The disease has gained significant importance due to the fact that it is prevalent only in a few countries around the world. The pathogen Tilletia indica is soil and seed borne which pose a serious quarantine problem and thus interferes with wheat trade. Early recognition of the pathogen is a critical step in analysis and its management. The present review highlights a brief outline of the pathogen, symptoms and various methods like seed treatment, crop rotation, fungicide application etc. for the control of Karnal bunt disease.