Hosts/substrate | Disease/effect | Clinical picture or result |
Rye and other closely related cereals and forage plants. Wild grass species can also be affected. | Ergot disease. | Hard, dry, oblong and dark brown sclerotia are produced on the ears (seed heads) of the host plant. In addition to fungal mycelium, these sclerotia also contain
mycotoxines (ergot alkaloids). |
Most animal species can suffer from ergotism, but it is most common in cattle. | Ergotism, which is a mycotoxicosis. | Due to restricted blood circulation (vasoconstriction), the tail and ear tips can be affected by gangrene and fall off. Feet and legs can also be affected by severe poisoning with paralysis as a result. |
Humans | Ergotism, which is a mycotoxicosis. | Hallucinations, burning sensation in the limbs and gangrene. |