Tilletia controversa is a seed- and soilborne winter-cereal disease with a high multiplication potential. Instead of seeds, bunt kernels are formed which are filled with Millions of stinking smut spores. Tilletia controversa infection leads to strong shortening of the stems (up to 2/3) - dwarfed plants. It can lead to a consideralbe damage in yield and grain quality. In the event of a severe infestation high yield losses and only limited usability of the harvested crop (also for feed purposes due to a fishy smell) are to be expected. The pathogen survives 10 or more years in the soil.
