MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Biology, Genetics, and Management of Ergot (Claviceps spp.) in Rye, Sorghum, and Pearl Millet

Summary

This research examines ergot, a fungal disease that affects cereal crops like rye, sorghum and pearl millet. The fungus produces toxic compounds that can cause severe illness in humans and animals when contaminated grain is consumed. The study reviews various approaches to control this disease, particularly through plant breeding and agricultural practices. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps ensure safer food supply by reducing toxic ergot contamination in cereal grains • Improves crop yields and farmer income through better disease management strategies • Protects livestock health by reducing ergot exposure in animal feed • Advances understanding of plant breeding techniques for disease resistance • Contributes to more sustainable agricultural practices through integrated disease control

Background

Ergot is a disease of cereals and grasses caused by fungi in the genus Claviceps. The most concerning species are C. purpurea in temperate regions, C. africana in sorghum (worldwide), and C. fusiformis in pearl millet (Africa, Asia). The fungi infect young, unfertilized ovaries, replacing seeds with dark mycelial masses known as sclerotia. The percentage of sclerotia in marketable grain is strictly regulated due to the severe health effects of ergot alkaloids on humans and animals.

Objective

This review aims to analyze and summarize the current knowledge on ergot biology, genetics, and management practices with special emphasis on recent results in plant breeding. The focus is on management practices controlling ergot, particularly through plant breeding approaches.

Results

Significant genetic variation for ergot resistance was found in CMS materials. Hybrid cultivars showed higher ergot susceptibility compared to population cultivars due to reduced pollen shedding. The introduction of new, highly effective restorer genes has helped reduce ergot susceptibility in modern hybrids. Environmental factors strongly influence both ergot infection rates and alkaloid content. Management practices including crop rotation, deep plowing, and mechanical cleaning were found to be effective control measures.

Conclusion

Due to long co-evolution between cereal hosts and Claviceps species, the fungus has developed sophisticated infection mechanisms, making it difficult for hosts to develop active resistance. While complete resistance is not available, various management strategies including improved pollen fertility restoration in hybrids and quantitative resistance breeding show promise. Future breeding efforts should utilize molecular markers and genomic selection procedures to improve complex traits like ergot resistance.
  • Published in:Toxins,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/toxins7030659
Scroll to Top