Ergot

Description

Wheat heads infected with ergot have large, dark-purple or black fungal structures that replace individual kernels. These fungal structures or "ergots" may be 5 to 10 times larger than normal wheat kernels and are often first detected in harvested grain. The ergots have a white interior, which distinguishes them from other types of foreign matter found in grain. 

Pest image (all)
Scientific Name
Claviceps purpurea
Pest photo source
Erick De Wolf et al. KSU
Production period
Preharvest
Crop type