As external pollinator, rye is rather endangered by the affliction with ergot, although resistance qualities will surely be improved within the next few years. In the meantime, here are a couple of advices to reduce the ergot-risk to a minimum. What is ergot?
“Ergots” are steady-spores (sklerotiums) of the fungus claviceps purpurea. These spores contain toxic alkaloids. In case of massive contamination of the harvested crop, the consumption of its products (bread, fodder) is a risk for peoples and animals. Therefore the contamination must be kept as low as possible. Population varieties are genetically more heterogeneous and have an extended blossom time. Blending 10% of such varieties into the hybrid rye seeds rises the offer and time for pollinisation, fertilising also the late-flowering sprouts. The more rye flowers get fecundated, the less possibility for ergot infection remains. 1. Cultivation
Especially on rye-after-rye cultivation the soil needs to be ploughed in order to reduce the infection risk from the bottom. The mowing of field edges at the blossom decreases the infection potential as well as weed-control in the crop rotation. 2. Sowing time
Extremely early sowing evokes the excessive development of secondary sprouts and an irregular blooming of the crop. The optimal sowing time are the last 10 days of September. 3. Sowing quantity
Very airy sowing causes irregular blooming and heterogeneous crops as well. A sowing quantity of 150 grains/m² is the minimum - also for good yields. 4. Fertilization
Harmonic plant nutrition, especially nitrogen fertilization, is fundamental for regular crops. Rye has a very high nitrogen adoption. Nutrition of more than 150 kg N/ha only enhances the ergot infection risk, not the yield. 5.Growth regulators
Several tests prove, that growth regulators boost the risk of affliction with ergot. The chemical appliance of Moddus amplifies the occurrences of ergot. Stable varieties are recommended. 6. Plant protection
Chalk-nitrogen reduces ergot infections coming from the soil. Other direct chemical treatments are not known to be effective. The control of plant louses is relevant as well, to lessen risk of secondary honeydew infection.
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