Which fungus is known to contaminate rye and wheat?

Claviceps purpurea is the fungus primarily known for contaminating rye and wheat. This fungus is responsible for ergot disease, which occurs when it infects the flowering heads of these cereal grains. The asexual form of Claviceps purpurea produces sclerotia, which can replace the grain in the seed heads. These sclerotia contain toxic alkaloids, which can pose serious health risks to both humans and livestock if ingested. This is particularly significant in rye, where ergotism has historically been a major concern due to the severe effects of the alkaloids on the nervous system.

While other fungi, such as Aspergillus and Fusarium, also affect crops, they primarily target different host plants and have distinct mycotoxin profiles. Aspergillus is more commonly associated with contamination of grains like corn and peanuts, whereas Fusarium is known for its impact on various crops, leading to issues like Fusarium head blight, especially in wheat. Botrytis, also known as grey mold, typically affects fruits and flowers rather than grains like rye and wheat. Therefore, the identification of Claviceps purpurea as the fungus related to the contamination of rye and wheat is accurate within the context of agricultural disease