Claviceps pusilla, also known as bluestem ergot, is a parasitic fungus primarily of the grass tribe Angropogoneae, particularly those in the tribe referred to as "bluestem". C. pusilla occasionally manifests characteristic triangular conidia which appear to be unique among Claviceps species.
Claviceps pusilla has been documented in Australia,[1] and in the US in the states of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Iowa.[2]
The earliest record found for C. pusilla was by Pammel and Weems in 1900. Scientists have identified C. pusillaonAndropogon species based on examination of ascomata from germinated sclerotia. Examination of a collection from Texas revealed yellow capitula characteristic of C. pusilla. However, in certain collections labeled as C. pusilla, triangular conidia characteristic of this species were not present. Additional collections need to be examined to confirm the presence of C. pusilla in the United States. C. pusilla has a wide geographical distribution, is known from Andropogon spp., and likely occurs on Andropogon spp. in the United States. However, we[who?] consider reports of C. purpurea var. purpureaonAndropogon spp. to be incorrect.[2]
^ abcdefAlderman, Stephen C.; Halse, Richard R.; White, James F. (January 2004). "A Reevaluation of the Host Range and Geographical Distribution of Claviceps Species in the United States". Plant Disease. 88 (1): 63–81. doi:10.1094/PDIS.2004.88.1.63. ISSN0191-2917. PMID30812458. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
