Claviceps purpurea

Claviceps purpurea

Claviceps purpurea - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-185-en

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Modell von Claviceps purpurea (Mutterkornpilz) -Osterloh Nr. 42- -Brendel 10 g, 2- (2)

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Alopecurus claviceps 2

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Claviceps purpurea is a fungus that primarily infects rye and other cereal grains. It is known for producing ergot, a group of alkaloid compounds that can cause severe health issues in humans and animals. The disease caused by this fungus is known as ergotism.

Taxonomy and Classification

Claviceps purpurea belongs to the kingdom Fungi, the phylum Ascomycota, the class Sordariomycetes, the order Hypocreales, and the family Clavicipitaceae.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Claviceps purpurea involves several stages:

• Infection: The fungus infects the ovaries of flowering grasses and cereals.
• Sclerotium Formation: After infection, the fungus forms a hard, dark structure called a sclerotium, which replaces the grain.
• Overwintering: The sclerotia fall to the ground and overwinter.
• Germination: In the spring, the sclerotia germinate to produce tiny, mushroom-like structures called stromata.
• Spore Release: The stromata release ascospores, which can infect new plants.

Ergot Alkaloids

Claviceps purpurea produces several ergot alkaloids, including ergotamine, ergocristine, and ergometrine. These compounds can cause vasoconstriction, leading to symptoms such as gangrene, hallucinations, and severe muscle pain.

Historical Significance

Ergotism, also known as "St. Anthony's Fire," has been documented throughout history. Outbreaks of ergotism have been linked to contaminated rye bread, leading to widespread illness and death.

Modern Implications

Today, ergotism is rare due to improved agricultural practices and grain processing techniques. However, Claviceps purpurea remains a concern for agriculture and food safety.

Prevention and Control

Preventing Claviceps purpurea infection involves:

• Crop Rotation: Rotating crops to reduce the presence of sclerotia in the soil.
• Resistant Varieties: Planting rye and other cereals that are resistant to the fungus.
• Chemical Control: Using fungicides to protect crops from infection.

See Also

• Ergot
• Ergotism
• Fungi
• Ascomycota
• Sordariomycetes
• Hypocreales
• Clavicipitaceae