Sphacelia segetum

Sphacelia segetum is a fungal species belonging to the Clavicipitaceae family. It is commonly known as the ergot fungus due to its association with the disease ergotism, which affects rye and other cereal crops.

Taxonomy

The species was first described by C.H. Persoon in 1801. It belongs to the genus Sphacelia, which comprises around 50 species of fungi. The specific epithet segetum is derived from the Latin word seges, meaning "field of grain", reflecting the fungus's habitat.

Description

Sphacelia segetum is characterized by its dark, elongated sclerotia, which replace the grains in infected cereal crops. The sclerotia contain alkaloids, including ergotamine, which can cause ergotism in humans and animals if ingested.

Distribution and habitat

Sphacelia segetum is widely distributed across the globe, particularly in temperate regions where cereal crops are grown. It is a parasitic fungus, infecting the ovaries of cereal crops and replacing the grains with its own sclerotia.

Impact

The fungus has a significant impact on agriculture, causing yield losses in infected crops. It also poses a health risk due to the production of toxic alkaloids. Efforts to control the fungus include crop rotation and the use of fungicides.

See also

• Ergot
• Ergotism
• Claviceps purpurea