Ergot sometimes destructive disease on pearl millet grain production in India'

1
Economic importance of Ergot Disease
Ergot sometimes destructive disease on pearl
millet grain production in India. Although the
disease has been known for a long time, possibly
over 100 years, the first ergot epidemic was not
reported until 1957. The importance of ergot as
a major threat to pearl millet production was
recognized in late 1960s with the cultivation of
commercial hybrids.
2
Economic importance of Ergot Disease
Losses in grain yield due to ergot have been
estimated to be as high as 58 to 70 in
hybrids. This disease assumes special importance
because grain is easily contaminated by fungal
bodies (sclerotia) which affect the health of
human beings and animals.
3
Economic importance of Ergot Disease
Normal grain contaminated with ergot infested
grain when consumed human beings induces nausea,
vomiting, giddiness and in extreme cases may be
fatal also.
Contamination of pearl millet seed with ergot
infested ones.
4
Economic importance of Ergot Disease
The feed contaminated with ergot infested pearl
millet grain when fed to sows (female pigs)
prevents from raising litters. In chicken, this
toxicity leads to droppings of feathers and
weakening of legs.