Growers Warned to Watch for Karnal Bunt

ST. PAUL - Jul 23/02 - SNS -- Minnesota wheat growers are being warned to monitor their fields for signs of Karnal bunt infection.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) says Karnal bunt is caused by a fungus that infects the seed and ruins a portion of the wheat head. Unlike most smuts, Karnal bunt does not pose a significant risk of yield loss. Instead, it turns portions of some kernels on the wheat head into spores.

These "bunted" wheat heads have a dark brown color and an unpleasant, fishy odor. While bunted wheat is not a health risk to humans, any wheat containing more than 3 percent bunted kernels is considered unfit for human consumption.

To help farmers and grain handlers better identify Karnal bunt and how to prevent it, the MDA recently put together a color brochure that shows pictures of what infected wheat looks like. The brochure is available on the MDA's website at www.mda.state.mn.us or by calling 651-296-8507.

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