Emergence and phytopathological properties of a new strain of Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul. on rye

The emergence of a new stable strain of Claviceps purpurea is described. The strain formed the sphacelial stage very weakly on rye, and was unlikely therefore to be able to initiate an epidemic under field conditions, but the sclerotia contained chanoclavine as the major alkaloid in contrast to the ergotamine component of the parent strain. Isolates of C. purpurea derived from ryegrass ergots were also shown to parasitize rye.