Abstract: Kernel smut of rice also known as bunt is caused by Tilletia barclayana (Syns. Neovossia barclayana, N. horrida) is prevalent in all the major rice growing countries (CMI, 1976; Ou, 1985; Dorofeva et al., 1993; Santosh et al., 1996 and Moletti et al., 1996).