Central Texas Wheat
Shows Karnal Bunt

WASHINGTON —(AP)— The wheat fungus Karnal bunt has been detected in a Texas grain sample, says the U.S.Agriculture Department.

A federal quarantine was imposed on Arizona wheat last year, restricting its shipment of wheat after Karnal bunt was found on less than four percent of that state's fields.

The Texas sample, taken in San Saba County, was the first and only one to test positive out of 4100 samples checked nationally by USDA to determine how widespread the fungus is. That survey is continuing.

Although Karnal bunt is harmless to humans, it can reduce wheat yields and give wheat an unpleasant odor. Most important, foreign countries routinely block importation of wheat suspected of containing the fungus.

"This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure that our wheat meets the phytosanitary requirements of importing countries," said Alfred S. Elder, acting deputy administrator of plant protection and quarantine with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

The fungus was detected earlier this week, but officials say they don't yet know the extent of the infection or what actions to take.