▪ Abstract Dwarf bunt is a disease of wheat caused by the smut fungus Tilletia controversa Kuhn. Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the primary host of economic significance. Although the total acreage affected by dwarf bunt is small relative to total wheat production worldwide, the disease has assumed attention disproportionate to its economic impact because it has become a matter of contention in world trade in cereals. This review describes the political and economic issues underlying the study and identification of T. controversa.