Claviceps purpurea is an ergot fungus that grows on the ears of rye and related cereal and forage grasses. Its hardened resting structure, the ergot sclerotium, can contaminate harvested grain, and consuming contaminated grain or seed can cause ergotism in humans and other mammals. The fungus most commonly affects outcrossing cereal species such as rye, along with triticale, wheat and barley, and only rarely affects oats.
Facts
Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceForms a hard, dry resting body (Sclerotium clavus) inside the husk of the grass floret. 1 Scientific Name Connections
In the Other Atlases
- Also in Agriculture and Farming Atlas: Ergot, the same subject.
- Also in Divinity Atlas: Ergot, the same subject.
Sources
1. Claviceps purpurea, Wikipedia
Lead paragraph
Claviceps purpurea is an ergot fungus that grows on the ears of rye and related cereal and forage plants.
Life cycle
Later, the Sphacelia segetum convert into a hard dry Sclerotium clavus inside the husk of the floret.
View the SourceCatalogue of Life
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of LifeChild Taxon Of: AscomycotaView the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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