Five bunt and smut diseases are regularly associated with wheat ( Triticum spp.). These are: common bunt (Tilletia spp.), dwarf bunt (T. controversa), Karnal bunt (T. indica), loose smut (Ustilago tritici), and flag smut (Urocystis agropyri). This fourth practical manual in CIMMYT's Wheat Disease Manual Series gathers together information necessary for understanding these diseases. It presents background information and concepts and methods that will help those not familiar with the bunts and smuts to correctly identify the different pathogens. General principles and guidelines for disease management are presented to help breeders and pathologists in controlling the diseases and selecting for resistance. Comprehensive reviews of the literature focus attention on pertinent reports for each disease.