DISEASES OF SMALL GRAINS - ERGOT

Ergot is a classic disease of rye, but also affects other small grains such as wheat, barley and oats. Ergot is caused by the fungus, Claviceps purpurea. The most characteristic sign of the disease is the production of large, purplish fungal resting structures (called sclerotia or ergots) that replace kernels and are visible to the naked eye (see arrows).