One plant disease to keep a lookout for when harvesting grains and grasses for animal and human consumption is ergot, which generates toxic alkaloids that could potentially create problems with livestock feeding and when trying to market a small grain crop. The Crop Protection Network shares some of the commonly asked questions pertaining to ergot.

The fungal disease known as ergot (caused by Claviceps purpurea), is developing in South Dakota wheat, rye, and triticale fields. Cool, damp spring weather during flowering followed by the warm/hot summer temperatures caused the ergot development.