Farmers in the UK are facing significant warnings about two fungal threats — fusarium and ergot — that are posing substantial risks to both crops and livestock. The increased incidence of these fungi in grain, caused by unusually wet weather conditions during the 2024 growing season, has prompted agricultural experts to publish urgent warnings alerting farmers about the fungus and instructing them on how to handle it. The implications are severe, with potential health hazards for both humans and livestock, prompting immediate attention and action to minimize these risks.
What is fusarium and ergot?
Fusarium is a genus of fungi found worldwide in soil, plants, and sometimes as opportunistic pathogens in humans. Various species within this genus, such as Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum, are known for causing diseases like root and stem rot, vascular wilt, and fruit rot in plants. Fusarium fungi release mycotoxins that contaminate grain and pose serious health risks to both humans and animals. During the flowering period of crops like wheat, barley, oats, and maize, extensive rainfall increases the likelihood of fusarium infections. Contaminated grains have shriveled appearances with pink tips or black patches.
Ergot (Claviceps purpurea) primarily infects cereal grains such as rye, wheat, barley, and oats. The fungus replaces the grain with a dark sclerotium (kernel) which, if ingested, causes severe poisoning known as ergotism. Ergotism, historically referred to as “St. Anthony’s Fire,” manifests through symptoms like convulsions, muscle spasms, hallucinations, and gangrenous damage to extremities due to blood vessel constriction. This condition has had historical significance, contributing to major societal impacts in Europe and the US, such as leading to deaths of thousands of Julius Caesar’s soldiers, and possibly being responsible for the events that started the witch trials of the Dark Ages and in Salem.
Effects on livestock
Because of these intense effects, the presence of fusarium and ergot in livestock feed is very problematic. Fusarium mycotoxin contamination can reduce feed intake in cattle due to decreased appetite, compromise immune system function, and cause gastrointestinal issues. Ergot, with its potent alkaloids, poses a particularly dangerous threat. In livestock, ergot poisoning can result in symptoms such as lameness, increased body temperature, and respiratory issues. Severe cases may lead to seizures, loss of muscle coordination, and even death. The constriction of blood vessels caused by ergot can lead to gangrenous conditions similar to its effects in humans, further exacerbating the health crisis in affected animals.
Avoiding contamination
To combat the threats posed by fusarium and ergot, agricultural experts recommend several preventive and management strategies. Ollie Johnson, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Head of Farming Systems and Agronomy, emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment. For ergot, identifying the hard, black sclerotia (kernel) during harvest is crucial, and can be especially tricky because at a glance, it resembles rodent droppings. Johnson stated that so far, the only effective removal method is using a color sorter, which is made available to farmers through mobile seed treatment companies. In-field solutions include appropriate seed treatment at drilling (applying chemical or biological preventative treatments to seeds before they are “drilled” or planted in the ground) and managing grass weeds and crop rotations, although these measures are too late for the current harvest season.
For fusarium, experts advise farmers to monitor cereal crops for “white heads,” which indicates infection. Using fusarium-active fungicides at or before the flowering stage is recommended to reduce the risk of infection. Maize grown in continuous rotation and wheat planted after maize are particularly susceptible and should be closely monitored. Contaminated grains, once harvested, are impractical to remove due to their shriveled and discolored appearance, so prevention is key. Preventive measures include avoiding continuous cropping of susceptible cereals, implementing crop rotations, and using fungicide treatments during critical growth stages. Farmers should also ensure that grains intended for direct livestock feed undergo thorough inspection and treatment to minimize contamination risks.
Preventing future outbreaks
The warnings from agricultural experts about the dangers of Fusarium and Ergot fungi highlight the critical need for vigilance and proactive management among farmers. With the potential to cause severe health issues in both livestock and humans, these fungal threats necessitate comprehensive strategies for detection, prevention, and treatment. By listening to expert advice and implementing recommended practices, farmers can reduce the risks posed by these fungi, ensuring the safety and health of their crops and livestock. Furthermore, the ongoing battle against these fungal diseases highlights the importance of continued research, education, and innovation in agricultural practices to safeguard food supplies and public health.
