Ergot Found in Area Fields

Ergot Found In Area Fields
Ergot has been identified in area fescue fields and other grass pastures. Ergot is dark black sclerotia (ergot bodies) found replacing the grain in the heads of grasses just prior to harvest. These are often larger than the seed of the plant but vary depending on the specie of grass infected. This is a disease caused by a fungus which reduces yield and quality of hay and may cause livestock disease called ergotism.
Grass plants first become infected by wind-borne spores. The spores land on flowers, germinate and invade the growing embryo of the developing kernel. Next, a yellow-white, "honey-dew" exudes from the infected flowers. The fluid contains a large number of asexually produced fungus spores (conidia).
Many species of insects visit the "honey-dew" and become contaminated with the fungus spores. These insects visit other grass flowers and spread the fungus, in a repeating cycle that continues as long as the florets are open. Spores may be transferred to other grain heads by rain-splash as well as direct contact.
Ergot develops more abundantly during wet seasons. Wet weather and wet soils favor germination of the ergot bodies and cool, wet weather during flowering favors development of the "honey-dew" stage. Dry weather during flowering is detrimental to spore production and germination. Susceptibility to infection among crops increases with any condition that may prolong flowering or cause sterile florets.
We have found ergot in tall fescue, orchard-grass at the Hundley Farm and also in tall fescue at the Graves-Chapple Farm.
Ergot is toxic to animals. Animals consume ergot by eating the sclerotia present in contaminated feed. All domestic animals are susceptible, including birds. Cattle seem to be the most susceptible.
The responses of animals consuming ergot are usually quite variable. For more information regarding impact of feeding ergot hay to livestock, you can contact your regional Extension livestock specialists, Amie Schleicher, Rockport; Jim Humphrey, Savannah; or Shawn Deering, Albany.
For agronomic information, contact Wayne Flanary, Regional Agronomist, University of Missouri Extension at 660-446-3724.