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Ergot
What is ergot? *
Ergot is a plant disease which is caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea in wheat. In an infected plant, kernels are replaced by ergot bodies or sclerotia. These are black or dark purple and hard. Because they grow in place of a wheat kernel, these bodies can be almost the same size and shape as a wheat kernel. You may also see ergot bodies that are much larger than wheat kernels.
What causes ergot?
Weather conditions contribute to ergot development. If the weather is cool, cloudy and wet when wheat is flowering, ergot spores may enter the floret and begin developing into ergot bodies. At harvest, ergot bodies can fall and lodge in the soil. These can survive over the winter and, if the soil is wet in the spring, they can release spores.
How does ergot lower my grade?
Ergot is a grading factor in Canadian wheat. For the exact tolerances for wheat, refer to the Official Grain Grading Guide.
A sample of wheat that is within tolerance for every other grading factor may be degraded as low as Canada Western Feed or No. 5 Canada Western Amber Durum or less for what seems to be a small amount of ergot. However, the tolerances for ergot are tight for safety and quality reasons. To receive a specific grade, a sample of wheat must be within tolerance for every grading factor.
Ergot is toxic to both humans and animals, even in small amounts. As well, this toxicity cannot be reduced through processing. Any flour or feed made from ergot-infected wheat will still be toxic.
As well, ergot affects the end-use quality of wheat. The dark colour of the ergot bodies can result in dark specks in any flour milled from ergot-infected wheat. Customers do not want dark specks in their flour or products made from that flour.
How are grading tolerances for ergot set?
Grading tolerances for ergot are set based on the results of scientific research conducted by the Canadian Grain Commission and based on recommendations made to the Canadian Grain Commission by the Western Standards Committee and Eastern Standards Committee. Both committees' members represent all parts of the grain industry, including grain producers. At their twice yearly meetings, the committees consider the results of our scientific research and input from various stakeholders across the industry. Each committee reviews current grain grade standards to ensure they continue to be relevant for everyone involved in Canada's grain industry including producers.
What can I do to prevent ergot in my wheat?
Unfortunately, there are limited options for controlling ergot. We offer advice on managing ergot in your crop.
Before you deliver, we encourage you to find out your grade and if ergot is a grading factor in your crop. You can sign up for the Harvest Sample Program to submit a sample and receive a free grade, including grading factors. Or, for a fee, you can send your sample to any one of the Canadian Grain Commission service centres, where one of our inspectors will grade your grain as part of our Submitted Sample Service.
* Material courtesy the Canadian Grain Commission. See www.grainscanada.gc.ca for more information.
