Further reports of Tilletia indica in USA
In spring 1996, Tilletia indica (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) was detected for the first time in USA in Arizona, Texas and New Mexico (EPPO RS 96/062). In November 1996, USDA reported that during its national survey programme for T. indica, the fungus was also found in wheat samples from Alabama and Tennessee (US). In Tennessee, the positive samples were taken from the following counties: Giles, Coffee, DeKalb, Greene, Hamblen, Marion, Overon and Warren. In Alabama, positive samples came from wheat in grain storage facilities in Mobil and Perry counties and from a farm storage facility in Geneva County. It is also mentioned that in June a positive sample was found in California, but that all additional surveys were negative in that state. However, USDA pointed out that current results of the national survey demonstrate that the vast majority of the US, including the wheat belt, is still free from T. indica.
Sources
USDA-APHIS server on INTERNET
http://www.aphis.usda.gov