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