Technical Abstract: Studies were conducted in Arizona to determine the efficacy of soil solarization for killing teliospores of the soilborne fungal wheat pathogen, Tilletia indica Mitra. In a replicated study, conducted in each of three years, T. indica teliospores and bunted wheat kernels were buried in a non-preirrigated Karnal bunt infested wheat field at depths of 5, 10 and 20 cm. Replicate samples were removed from under a clear plastic solarization cover at 7-day intervals and the number of viable teliospores determined. Results showed a rapid decline in teliospore viability at all treatment depths over 38 days, with efficacy comparable to methyl bromide protocols using clear plastic sheeting. Initial viability rates of 43, 71, and 82 percent germination were reduced to 0.1, 7.7 and 0.2 percent after 38 days (across all depths) in 2003, 2005, and 2006, respectively. Mean daily maximum soil temperatures at 5 and 20 cm under clear plastic in 2003, 2005 and 2006, were 67, 53 and 60C and 43, 38 and 43C, respectively. Under current USDA disease management strategies, the method may be useful for the rapid deregulation of Karnal bunt affected fields.