Extract from Wikipedia article: Ergot (pron. /ˈɜːrɡət/ UR-gət) or ergot fungi refers to a group of fungi of the genus Claviceps.
Arabic: عاكوب, Basque: Aino, Chinese: 麦角, Croatian: Ražena glavica, Dutch: Claviceps, Estonian: Tungaltera (perekond), Finnish: Torajyvä, German: Mutterkornpilze, Indonesian: Jamur Api, Irish: Eargót, Japanese: 麦角菌, Kannada: ಎರ್ಗಟ್, Malay: Ergot, Persian: ناخنک غلات, Polish: Sporysz, Russian: Спорынья, Tamil: எர்காட், Ukrainian: Маткові ріжки (хвороба).
Claviceps africana is a fungus in the family Clavicipitaceae that infects certain grasses, particularly sorghum and related species. In East and Central Texas, it has been found to parasitize Johnsongrass and other wild grasses, producing ergot alkaloids as part of its life cycle. The fungus forms hard, purplish-black sclerotia that replace the host plant's seeds, which can be toxic to livestock if ingested. It is a relatively common pathogen in the region, particularly in areas with warm and humid climates, and has been reported in several counties across East and Central Texas.
Sorghum ergot fungus (Claviceps africana) on johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) on Lone Star Hiking Trail near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, August 27, 2020
Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) with a parasitic ergot fungus Claviceps africana on Lone Star Hiking Trail near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, August 27, 2020
Sorghum ergot fungus (Claviceps africana) on flowers of johnsongrass taken from Bee Creek Park, south from Southwest Parkway bridge. College Station, Texas, August 27, 2020
Sorghum ergot fungus (Claviceps africana) on inflorescence of johnsongrass taken from Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, August 27, 2020
Close-up of sorghum ergot fungus (Claviceps africana) on inflorescence of johnsongrass taken from Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, August 27, 2020
Sorghum ergot fungus (Claviceps africana) on johnsongrass on white background taken from Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, August 27, 2020
Sorghum ergot fungus (Claviceps africana) on inflorescence of johnsongrass on Wildflower Loop Trail in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, April 13, 2021
23900 FM 1155, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) infected by Sorghum ergot fungus (Claviceps africana) on Wildflower Loop Trail in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, April 13, 202123900 FM 1155, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Sorghum ergot fungus (Claviceps africana) on johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) in Bee Creek Park College Station, Texas, April 25, 20221621, Angelina Circle, Bee Creek, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77840, United States
Sorghum ergot fungus (Claviceps africana) on inflorescence of johnsongrass in Bee Creek Park College Station, Texas, April 25, 20221589, Angelina Circle, Bee Creek, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77840, United States
Spores of sorghum ergot fungus (Claviceps africana) under a microscope, collected in Bee Creek Park College Station, Texas, April 25, 2022
Spores of sorghum ergot fungus (Claviceps africana) in KOH, collected in Bee Creek Park College Station, Texas, April 25, 2022
Spore size 7.9 - 9.3 × 7.6 - 8.8 µm, length to width ratio Q = 1 - 1.1.Observations of Claviceps africana were made in East and Central Texas, specifically in Sam Houston National Forest, College Station, and Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. The fungus was found infecting johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) on multiple occasions between August 2020 and April 2022. Infected plants were observed on hiking trails, including Lone Star Hiking Trail and Wildflower Loop Trail. Close-up examinations revealed the presence of sorghum ergot fungus on inflorescences and flowers of johnsongrass. Microscopic analysis of spores collected in Bee Creek Park confirmed the identity of Claviceps africana. The fungus was also observed on a white background, providing clear visibility of its structure. These observations suggest that Claviceps africana is present and active in East and Central Texas, infecting johnsongrass in various locations.
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