Tilletia indica

Tilletia indica is a species of fungus that causes a disease known as Karnal bunt in wheat. It is a significant plant pathogen, particularly in parts of Asia and North America, and can cause substantial crop losses.

Description

Tilletia indica is a smut fungus, a group of plant pathogens that typically cause diseases in grasses. The fungus produces spores that are carried by the wind to infect new plants. The spores germinate and infect the wheat plant, causing the formation of bunted kernels which contain millions of new spores.

Impact

The impact of Tilletia indica is significant, particularly in wheat-growing regions of Asia and North America. The disease it causes, Karnal bunt, can result in yield losses of up to 20%. In addition, the bunted kernels produce a fishy smell that can make the grain unpalatable for human consumption.

Control

Control of Tilletia indica involves a combination of crop rotation, use of resistant wheat varieties, and fungicide application. Quarantine measures are also important to prevent the spread of the fungus to new areas.

See also

• List of Tilletia species
• Wheat diseases
• Plant pathology