Ergot production and improvement

Large-scale production of ergot has been in progress, on the Nilgiris, under the auspices of the Madras Government. Rye grows well only above 5,600 ft. The crop sown in April gives highest yield of ergot. Six to eight sprayings are necessary for maximum infection. The larger number of rainy days during the flowering period favours infection. Manures do not have any influence in yield or quality of ergot. Australian black winter rye and local rye are suited for large-scale production of ergot. The pathogenicity trials are described. The quality of the ergot was improved by selection of sclerotia containing a high percentage of alkaloids for obtaining cultures. The alkaloid content of the Nilgiri ergot was raised from 0·19 per cent. to 0·40 per cent