| Legend |
|---|
| Justification for qualification based on EPPO PM 4 Standards |
| Justification for disqualification |
| Additional or non-conclusive information |
| Standard text |
NAME OF THE ORGANISM: Tilletia laevis (TILLFO)
GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE PEST
Name as submitted in the project specification (if different):
Pest category:
Fungi
1- Identity of the pest/Level of taxonomic listing:
Is the organism clearly a single taxonomic entity and can it be adequately distinguished from other entities of the same rank?
Yes
Is the pest defined at the species level or lower?:
Yes
Can listing of the pest at a taxonomic level higher than species be supported by scientific reasons or can species be identified within the taxonomic rank which are the (main) pests of concern?
- Not relevant: Cereals (including rice) sector
If necessary, please list the species:
-
Is it justified that the pest is listed at a taxonomic rank below species level?
Not relevant
Conclusion:
- Candidate: Cereals (including rice) sector
Justification (if necessary):
Remark: common bunt of wheat is caused by two closely related smut fungi, Tilletia caries (syn. T. tritici) and T. laevis, which readily hybridize together and with T. controversa (CABI, 2020). In the responses to the questionnaire, DE indicated that the different species of Tilletia are difficult to distinguish from each other microscopically. A reliable differentiation using PCR does not currently exist.
2 – Status in the EU:
Is this pest already a quarantine pest for the whole EU?
No
Presence in the EU:
Yes
List of countries (EPPO Global Database):
-
Conclusion:
Candidate
Justification (if necessary):
The pest is distributed worldwide and reported to be present in many EPPO countries (CABI, 2019)
HOST PLANT N°1: Triticum aestivum (TRZAX) for the Cereals (including rice) sector.
Origin of the listing:
New proposal
Plants for planting:
Seeds
3 - Is the pest already listed in a PM4 standard on the concerned host plant?
No
Conclusion:
Evaluation continues
4 - Are the listed plants for planting the main* pathway for the "pest/host/intended use" combination? (*: significant compared to others):
Yes
Conclusion:
Candidate
Justification:
T. laevis infects several Triticum spp., including T. aestivum (wheat) (Qin et al., 2021; CABI, 2019). Other cereals are reported as host plants. Consequently, experts considered that additional pest/host combinations should be assessed for the RNQP status (see RNQP summary sheet for T. caries).
Movement of wheat seed is a pathway. Ustilospores are also spread by wind on hundreds of kilometers and can contaminate soil. The fungus can survive for years in soil and no diagnostic tests are available for detection in soil before sowing. Germination occurs over a wide temperature range, being most rapid at 18-20°C. When germinating, ustilospores can infect healthy seedlings. Control by seed treatments allowed to readily decrease the infection pressure to a low level over the world; making seed being a significant pathway. Harvesters and other machinery passing from a contaminated production site to a pest-free one, as well as seed handling equipment, are also source of contamination (ARVALIS, 2023; CABI, 2019).
In responses to the questionnaire, EUROSEEDS commented that Tilletia sp. are common in the EU and distributed all over the Union in all the major wheat growing areas; whereas DE commented that Tilletia sp. only occur in DE to a very small extent.
Movement of wheat seed is considered as a significant pathway.
Movement of wheat seed is a pathway. Ustilospores are also spread by wind on hundreds of kilometers and can contaminate soil. The fungus can survive for years in soil and no diagnostic tests are available for detection in soil before sowing. Germination occurs over a wide temperature range, being most rapid at 18-20°C. When germinating, ustilospores can infect healthy seedlings. Control by seed treatments allowed to readily decrease the infection pressure to a low level over the world; making seed being a significant pathway. Harvesters and other machinery passing from a contaminated production site to a pest-free one, as well as seed handling equipment, are also source of contamination (ARVALIS, 2023; CABI, 2019).
In responses to the questionnaire, EUROSEEDS commented that Tilletia sp. are common in the EU and distributed all over the Union in all the major wheat growing areas; whereas DE commented that Tilletia sp. only occur in DE to a very small extent.
Movement of wheat seed is considered as a significant pathway.
5 - Economic impact:
Are there documented reports of any economic impact on the host?
Yes
Justification:
Economic impact of common bunt is considerable since the presence of spores on harvested grain leads to it being downgraded. Each infected grain is a lost grain. Untreated, common bunt can destroy more than 50% of grain, but losses are usually 5-10%. It produces an unpleasant odour which is passed on to the flour. This odour can also be a problem when feeding livestock feed (palatability). The reduced market value of contaminated grain was estimated at 32% of the value of sound grain in Australia. This disease has declined with the widespread use of effective fungicidal seed treatments, but it is still reported to be present in many EPPO countries (ARVALIS, 2023; CABI, 2019; 2020). Recent reports of impact mostly relate to the production for organic farming.
What is the likely economic impact of the pest irrespective of its infestation source in the absence of phytosanitary measures? (= official measures)
Major
Is the economic impact due to the presence of the pest on the named host plant for planting, acceptable to the propagation and end user sectors concerned?
No
Is there unacceptable economic impact caused to other hosts (or the same host with a different intended use) produced at the same place of production due to the transfer of the pest from the named host plant for planting?
Conclusion:
Candidate
Justification:
It should be noted that economic impact depends on regional environmental conditions (favourable or unfavourable), race and available plant varieties (resistance).
6 - Are there feasible and effective measures available to prevent the presence of the pest on the plants for planting at an incidence above a certain threshold (including zero) to avoid an unacceptable economic impact as regards the relevant host plants?
Yes
Conclusion:
Candidate
Justification:
The fungus is readily controlled by seed treatments (ARVALIS, 2023). Recent increases in incidence of bunt (e.g. in Nordic countries) were attributed to the banning of certain seed treatments and an apparent decline in the use of other seed treatments (CABI, 2019; 2020).
In organic farming, a limited range of effective seed treatments is available. Some measures, e.g. use of antagonists such as Pseudomonas chlororaphis, have a significant but irregular efficacy on infected seeds (ARVALIS, 2023; Fontaine et al., 2013). In Austria, it is the only registered seed treatment for organic seeds, and irregular efficacy seems to be mostly connected to incorrect storage (It is crucial that the Pseudomonas chlororaphis product is cooled until seeds are treated. After treatment, efficacy on the product is guaranteed by the company for one year. But, if the product is stored only for a short period uncooled, it already has a great efficacy) (AGES, 2021). In the European Union, a treatment with white vinegar is also possible (not used in AT, but used in FR and DK). Trials for T. caries showed a similar efficacy to the Pseudomonas product (AGES, 2021).
Cultivars showing resistance to a particular races can be used. Resistance breeding is an important objective in breeding varieties, particularly for the organic production segment (EUROSEEDS, person. comm.), e.g. in DE. However, in some countries resistance of widely used cultivars had already been broken (e.g. in AT), or breeding focuses more on other diseases (e.g. rust and Septoria in FR).
Seed testing may also be used with hot water treatments, when inoculum level exceeded a certain threshold (CABI, 2019; 2020).
Copper is authorized on wheat seeds until 2025-09-28 and new authorizations as seed treatments will be possible in the next years in FR (Delos, pers. comm.).
Seed treatment with mustard seed powder is authorized in BE (and in the EU) as basic substance since 2017.
When soil is contaminated, Triazole fungicides (systemic) can be used. Rotation with non-host or less sensitive cereals can be performed (ARVALIS, 2023).
Seed harvesting and handling machinery and equipment can be cleaned. Shallow seeding into warm wet soil drastically reduces the disease incidence (CABI, 2019).
Measures should consist in controlling that the pest presence is below a certain threshold for Tilletia species, without differentiating the species involved.
In organic farming, a limited range of effective seed treatments is available. Some measures, e.g. use of antagonists such as Pseudomonas chlororaphis, have a significant but irregular efficacy on infected seeds (ARVALIS, 2023; Fontaine et al., 2013). In Austria, it is the only registered seed treatment for organic seeds, and irregular efficacy seems to be mostly connected to incorrect storage (It is crucial that the Pseudomonas chlororaphis product is cooled until seeds are treated. After treatment, efficacy on the product is guaranteed by the company for one year. But, if the product is stored only for a short period uncooled, it already has a great efficacy) (AGES, 2021). In the European Union, a treatment with white vinegar is also possible (not used in AT, but used in FR and DK). Trials for T. caries showed a similar efficacy to the Pseudomonas product (AGES, 2021).
Cultivars showing resistance to a particular races can be used. Resistance breeding is an important objective in breeding varieties, particularly for the organic production segment (EUROSEEDS, person. comm.), e.g. in DE. However, in some countries resistance of widely used cultivars had already been broken (e.g. in AT), or breeding focuses more on other diseases (e.g. rust and Septoria in FR).
Seed testing may also be used with hot water treatments, when inoculum level exceeded a certain threshold (CABI, 2019; 2020).
Copper is authorized on wheat seeds until 2025-09-28 and new authorizations as seed treatments will be possible in the next years in FR (Delos, pers. comm.).
Seed treatment with mustard seed powder is authorized in BE (and in the EU) as basic substance since 2017.
When soil is contaminated, Triazole fungicides (systemic) can be used. Rotation with non-host or less sensitive cereals can be performed (ARVALIS, 2023).
Seed harvesting and handling machinery and equipment can be cleaned. Shallow seeding into warm wet soil drastically reduces the disease incidence (CABI, 2019).
Measures should consist in controlling that the pest presence is below a certain threshold for Tilletia species, without differentiating the species involved.
7- Is the quality of the data sufficient to recommend the pest to be listed as a RNQP?
Yes
Conclusion:
Candidate
Justification:
CONCLUSION ON THE STATUS:
Recommended for listing as an RNQP, based on data.
8 - Tolerance level:
Is there a need to change the Tolerance level:
Yes (new regulation proposal)
Proposed Tolerance levels:
A tolerance (not higher than an average of 5 to 10 spores per kernel in a sample, for T. caries, T. controversa and T. laevis together) with an alternative risk management measure (see risk management measures).
Justification (if necessary):
It is impossible to recognize different bunt species only based on field symptoms. Tilletia species may hybridize. Consequently, the threshold should be defined for the Tilletia ‘complex’. It should be based on an average of spores per seed in a sample.
No consensus was reached on the exact threshold to be used. The provided range is based on the experimental data available:
- A 3-year project evaluating the dynamic of T. caries infection when seeds are sown with a certain infection level, at different locations and for different varieties; and then harvested, saved and used again for two more times was performed (AGES, 2016; 2017). It shows that the infection level under 10 spores/seed resulted in low infection levels at least for two years, also in regions favorable for T. caries infection. It is consequently not recommended to use seeds with higher levels e.g. 20 spores/seed since in regions with favorable conditions, already in the second year, this is reported to cause high infection levels.
- An European Project (TESTA, 2013-2015) evaluated the transmission of viable T. caries to plantlets after artificial contamination of seeds sown under greenhouse and field conditions (https://www.eppo.int/media/uploaded_images/MEETINGS/Meetings_2015/testa_angers/07_Orgeur.pdf). This study showed that infection levels below 5 spores/seed resulted in low percentage of positive plantlets.
- Field data and theoretical spore load calculations confirmed that there is a risk potential for low-level infection. Independent of site and year, loads of 5 to 20 spores/seed of T. caries were sufficient to produce a distinct infection. A threshold of 20 spores/seed is too high for some susceptible cultivars (Waldow & Jahn, 2007).
Remark: based on experience, under German conditions, when using resistant cultivars, an average of 20 (viable) spores per seed is considered to be a threshold enough to prevent damage under conventional and organic farming. However Experts considered that this was not applicable in all situations in the EU.
Such thresholds are only necessary for untreated seeds. Lots which are planned to be treated or are already treated would not need to be tested in the laboratory.
No consensus was reached on the exact threshold to be used. The provided range is based on the experimental data available:
- A 3-year project evaluating the dynamic of T. caries infection when seeds are sown with a certain infection level, at different locations and for different varieties; and then harvested, saved and used again for two more times was performed (AGES, 2016; 2017). It shows that the infection level under 10 spores/seed resulted in low infection levels at least for two years, also in regions favorable for T. caries infection. It is consequently not recommended to use seeds with higher levels e.g. 20 spores/seed since in regions with favorable conditions, already in the second year, this is reported to cause high infection levels.
- An European Project (TESTA, 2013-2015) evaluated the transmission of viable T. caries to plantlets after artificial contamination of seeds sown under greenhouse and field conditions (https://www.eppo.int/media/uploaded_images/MEETINGS/Meetings_2015/testa_angers/07_Orgeur.pdf). This study showed that infection levels below 5 spores/seed resulted in low percentage of positive plantlets.
- Field data and theoretical spore load calculations confirmed that there is a risk potential for low-level infection. Independent of site and year, loads of 5 to 20 spores/seed of T. caries were sufficient to produce a distinct infection. A threshold of 20 spores/seed is too high for some susceptible cultivars (Waldow & Jahn, 2007).
Remark: based on experience, under German conditions, when using resistant cultivars, an average of 20 (viable) spores per seed is considered to be a threshold enough to prevent damage under conventional and organic farming. However Experts considered that this was not applicable in all situations in the EU.
Such thresholds are only necessary for untreated seeds. Lots which are planned to be treated or are already treated would not need to be tested in the laboratory.
9 - Risk management measures:
Is there a need to change the Risk management measure:
Yes
Proposed Risk management measure:
All categories (Pre-basic, Basic and Certified material):
(a) On a representative sample of seeds, infection with Tilletia caries, T. controversa and T. laevis should not exceed on average 5 – 10 (viable) spores per seed (Remarks: no consensus was reached on the exact threshold to be used. Viability testing is optional. When exceeding the threshold, viability test can be used to show that the threshold is respected for viable spores); or
(b) Seed treatment known to be effective against Tilletia laevis (Remark: option b should not be authorized when infection is known to exceed in average 150 (viable) spores per seed before the treatment. This should be systematically checked when infection with Tilletia spp. is reported during field inspection);
Field inspection and inspection of plots, pre and post control, may be used as an additional risk management measure to avoid any build-up of infection levels during the chain of propagation. Seed brushing may be used to achieve option (a). Stricter tolerance may be defined nationally.
(a) On a representative sample of seeds, infection with Tilletia caries, T. controversa and T. laevis should not exceed on average 5 – 10 (viable) spores per seed (Remarks: no consensus was reached on the exact threshold to be used. Viability testing is optional. When exceeding the threshold, viability test can be used to show that the threshold is respected for viable spores); or
(b) Seed treatment known to be effective against Tilletia laevis (Remark: option b should not be authorized when infection is known to exceed in average 150 (viable) spores per seed before the treatment. This should be systematically checked when infection with Tilletia spp. is reported during field inspection);
Field inspection and inspection of plots, pre and post control, may be used as an additional risk management measure to avoid any build-up of infection levels during the chain of propagation. Seed brushing may be used to achieve option (a). Stricter tolerance may be defined nationally.
Justification (if necessary):
Only untreated seeds should be tested in the laboratory and the threshold should only be valid for untreated seeds.
A maximum of 5-10 spores per seed should be used for all categories to avoid any build-up of infection (see thresholds). No consensus was reached on the exact threshold to be used.
Field inspection should not be considered as a standalone measure: In seed certification in AT, field inspection is mandatory. Although Tilletia isn‘t found very often in the field, lots infected with Tilletia sp. are regularly found. Additionally, seeds can also get contaminated after harvest with e.g. harvesting machines, contaminated trailers etc. Infection of other fields in the immediate vicinity may also be a source of contamination. Infection inside a non-broken seed may not be visible. Therefore laboratory testing should be performed for untreated seeds.
Experts did not see a problem of seed shortage for the organic sector, as seed treatment is still an option.
Experts discussed the available treatments under option (b) for organic production:
- Acetic acid (white vinegar; authorized as a basic substance): efficacy not considered enough when growing wheat in infested soil (ARVALIS, 2022; Saidi et al., 2001). Efficacy is variable, around 70% on seed-borne spores at an acetic acid dose of 1 liter per quintal, and 0% effectiveness on soil-borne spores.
- Heat treatment which efficacy has been demonstrated: The effectiveness of e.g. THERMOSEED, a humid heat treatment, is excellent (99%), but the technique cannot be applied to large volumes of seeds like wheat which has low intrinsic value. Between the wheat harvest and sowing, the available time may be too short in many countries unless numerous and costly facilities are deployed (ARVALIS, 2022).
- Mustard seed powder (authorized as a basic substance): demonstrated efficacy higher than acetic acid, but not total. Authorized in BE (and the EU) since 2017 (About 85% efficacy in Eylenbosh et al., 2025).
- Seed treatment with Pseudomonas chlororaphis (ARVALIS, 2022).
- Seed treatment with tribasic copper sulfate (ARVALIS, 2022).
Remark about seed brushing: Experts considered that this should only be used to achieve option (a). Brushing may be about 70–80% effective on seed-borne spores.
Considering the lower efficacy of seed treatments for organic farming, experts recommended that when it is known that there are more than 150 (viable) spores/seed, seed treatment should not be authorized as a standalone option and the lot should be rejected. This is supported by a one-year trial performed in AT during the Liveseed Project (AGES 2021) which has shown
- Moderate to high infection levels after white vinegar treatment of lots infected at >150 spores/seed on average,
- Moderate to high infection levels after Pseudomonas chlororaphis treatments of lots infected at >300 spores/seed on average, and
- Low infection levels (not zero) after fludioxonil/difenoconazole treatments of lots infected with 300 and 500 spores/seed on average.
The value of 150 (viable) spores/seed is proposed in the measures, but experts considered that a value within 100-200 (viable) spores/seed would not make much difference (existing threshold at 200 (viable) spores/seed in DE, 300 in AT and 100 for farm-saved seeds in AT). Testing the seeds for this threshold should be performed based on suspicion, and systematically when the Tilletia sp. was observed during field inspection. However, in practice Tilletia infection is seen when seeds are mature and in Austria field inspection is done when the plants are flowering. But this maybe more relevant for other countries performing the field inspection at the mature stage.
It could also be considered whether testing organic seeds more systematically for this threshold.
The suitability of the seed treatments can be verified during official post-controls (for seeds already on the market). This could be used to check retrospectively whether the seed treatments applied were sufficiently effective or not. These tests should primarily be performed on samples that have been treated with new methods, in particular for organic farming.
Experts indicated that efficacy of seed treatments with triazoles or fludioxonil is close to 100% on seed-borne spores and at least 80% on soil-borne spores for triazoles.
For option (a), viability of the spores may not need to be systematically tested. However it can be an option for organic seeds, if the threshold was slightly exceeded.
A maximum of 5-10 spores per seed should be used for all categories to avoid any build-up of infection (see thresholds). No consensus was reached on the exact threshold to be used.
Field inspection should not be considered as a standalone measure: In seed certification in AT, field inspection is mandatory. Although Tilletia isn‘t found very often in the field, lots infected with Tilletia sp. are regularly found. Additionally, seeds can also get contaminated after harvest with e.g. harvesting machines, contaminated trailers etc. Infection of other fields in the immediate vicinity may also be a source of contamination. Infection inside a non-broken seed may not be visible. Therefore laboratory testing should be performed for untreated seeds.
Experts did not see a problem of seed shortage for the organic sector, as seed treatment is still an option.
Experts discussed the available treatments under option (b) for organic production:
- Acetic acid (white vinegar; authorized as a basic substance): efficacy not considered enough when growing wheat in infested soil (ARVALIS, 2022; Saidi et al., 2001). Efficacy is variable, around 70% on seed-borne spores at an acetic acid dose of 1 liter per quintal, and 0% effectiveness on soil-borne spores.
- Heat treatment which efficacy has been demonstrated: The effectiveness of e.g. THERMOSEED, a humid heat treatment, is excellent (99%), but the technique cannot be applied to large volumes of seeds like wheat which has low intrinsic value. Between the wheat harvest and sowing, the available time may be too short in many countries unless numerous and costly facilities are deployed (ARVALIS, 2022).
- Mustard seed powder (authorized as a basic substance): demonstrated efficacy higher than acetic acid, but not total. Authorized in BE (and the EU) since 2017 (About 85% efficacy in Eylenbosh et al., 2025).
- Seed treatment with Pseudomonas chlororaphis (ARVALIS, 2022).
- Seed treatment with tribasic copper sulfate (ARVALIS, 2022).
Remark about seed brushing: Experts considered that this should only be used to achieve option (a). Brushing may be about 70–80% effective on seed-borne spores.
Considering the lower efficacy of seed treatments for organic farming, experts recommended that when it is known that there are more than 150 (viable) spores/seed, seed treatment should not be authorized as a standalone option and the lot should be rejected. This is supported by a one-year trial performed in AT during the Liveseed Project (AGES 2021) which has shown
- Moderate to high infection levels after white vinegar treatment of lots infected at >150 spores/seed on average,
- Moderate to high infection levels after Pseudomonas chlororaphis treatments of lots infected at >300 spores/seed on average, and
- Low infection levels (not zero) after fludioxonil/difenoconazole treatments of lots infected with 300 and 500 spores/seed on average.
The value of 150 (viable) spores/seed is proposed in the measures, but experts considered that a value within 100-200 (viable) spores/seed would not make much difference (existing threshold at 200 (viable) spores/seed in DE, 300 in AT and 100 for farm-saved seeds in AT). Testing the seeds for this threshold should be performed based on suspicion, and systematically when the Tilletia sp. was observed during field inspection. However, in practice Tilletia infection is seen when seeds are mature and in Austria field inspection is done when the plants are flowering. But this maybe more relevant for other countries performing the field inspection at the mature stage.
It could also be considered whether testing organic seeds more systematically for this threshold.
The suitability of the seed treatments can be verified during official post-controls (for seeds already on the market). This could be used to check retrospectively whether the seed treatments applied were sufficiently effective or not. These tests should primarily be performed on samples that have been treated with new methods, in particular for organic farming.
Experts indicated that efficacy of seed treatments with triazoles or fludioxonil is close to 100% on seed-borne spores and at least 80% on soil-borne spores for triazoles.
For option (a), viability of the spores may not need to be systematically tested. However it can be an option for organic seeds, if the threshold was slightly exceeded.
REFERENCES:
- AGES (2016) Infektionsmechanismen und Übertragungsrisiken bei Gewöhnlichem Steinbrand (Tilletia caries / Tilletia foetida) unter österreichischen Anbaubedingungen. Forschungsprojekt Nr. 100831/2. Available at https://dafne.at/content/report_release/bc582bd9-3d39-4077-b287-ba35e9f51b6d_0.pdf
- AGES (2017) Different articles available in 67. Tagung der Vereinigung der Pflanzenzüchter und Saatgutkaufleute Österreichs 21.-23. November 2016, HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Irdning, Österreich ISBN-13: 978-3-900932-45-9. Available at http://www.saatgut-austria.at/MEDIA/67%20Tagungsband%20Gumpenstein%202017.pdf
- AGES (2021) Investigating the spectrum efficiency of the organic seed treatments Cerall and white vinegar concerning different infection levels of common bunt (Tilletia caries) on winter wheat. LIVESEED Final report. WP2. Available at https://www.liveseed.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/AGES-field-trial_Bunt_Tilletia_Final-report_WP2.pdf
- ARVALIS (2022) Maladie charbonneuse du blé - Les traitements de semences, indispensables pour la protection contre la carie commune. Available at https://www.arvalis.fr/infos-techniques/les-traitements-de-semences-indispensable-pour-la-protection-contre-la-carie
- ARVALIS (2023) Les fiches accident. Céréales à paille. Carie commune : Tilletia caries, Tilletia foetida. Available at https://fiches.arvalis-infos.fr/fiche_accident/fiches_accidents.php?mode=fa&type_cul=1&type_acc=4&id_acc=81
- Bockus WW, Bowden RL, Hunger RM, Morill WL, Murray TD & Smiley RW (2010) Compendium of wheat diseases and pests. Third edition. The American Phytopathological Society.
- CABI (2019) CABI Datasheet on Tilletia laevis. CABI Compendium. Available at https://doi.org/10.1079/cabicompendium.53926
- CABI (2020) CABI Datasheet on Tilletia tritici. CABI Compendium. Available at https://doi.org/10.1079/cabicompendium.53923
- Eylenbosh D, Chandellier A & Bataille C (2025) Carie commune du blé. Livre Blanc Céréales. https://livre-blanc-cereales.be/thematiques/maladies/froment/thematiques-maladies-froment-carie/
- Fontaine L, Robin N, Bruyère J & du Cheyron P (2013) Agir rapidement pour contenir la carie commune : exploration de diverses méthodes de contrôle. Innovations Agronomiques 32, 35-46. Available at https://orgprints.org/id/eprint/26256/1/Fontaine_2013_CIAG_Vol32.pdf
- ITAB (2025) Substances. https://itab.bio/substances/fiche-substance-de-base/poudre-de-graines-de-moutarde
- Qin DD, Xu TS, Liu TG, Chen WQ & Gao L (2021) First report of wheat common bunt caused by Tilletia laevis in Henan Province, China.Plant Disease, 105(1) 215-215.1) 215-215.
- Saidi B, Azmeh F, Mamluk OF & Sikora RA (2001) Effect of seed treatment with organic acids on the control of common bunt (Tilletia tritici and T. laevis) in wheat. Mededelingen (Rijksuniversiteit te Gent. Fakulteit van de Landbouwkundige en Toegepaste Biologische Wetenschappen) 66(2a), 213-221. PMID: 12425040.
- Waldow F & Jahn M (2007) Investigation in the regulation of common bunt (Tilletia tritici) of winter wheat with regards to threshold values, cultivar susceptibility and non-chemical protection measures. Jounal of Plant Diseases and Protection 114(6), 269-275.