Manage Ergot Early to Protect Grain Quality and Market Value
As farmers will know, ergot is a fungal disease that affects cereal crops such as wheat, barley, oats, durum, rye, and canary seed. It also infects grassy weeds, which can serve as a source of infection for future crops.
While ergot does not usually lead to major yield loss, it can seriously damage grain quality and limit access to markets according to Keep it Clean.
The fungus produces toxic alkaloids, also known as mycotoxins, which can be harmful to both humans and animals. Because of this, ergot contamination is considered a grain grading factor for Canadian cereal grains. Even small amounts of ergot sclerotia—the black, hard fungal bodies—can lead to grain being downgraded, rejected by buyers, or needing expensive cleaning.
Export markets have strict limits on the amount of ergot allowed in cereal grain shipments. These markets may also limit the total amount of alkaloids present in the grain. That is why farmers need to act early to control the disease.
Ergot thrives in cool, wet weather during the flowering stage of cereal crops. These conditions increase the chance of infection, so it’s important to monitor fields closely at this time.
To protect your crop, follow best practices such as crop rotation, controlling grassy weeds, and choosing seed that is less prone to ergot infection. Cleaning seed before planting and avoiding planting cereals next to infected grasses can also help.
By managing ergot early and effectively, farmers can protect grain quality, maintain strong market access, and support Canada’s reputation as a top supplier of safe, high-quality cereal grains.
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