Ergot

[charliep]

I am getting concerns about ergot this year from grain companies. How serious a problem is it? What markets are available if you have it?

[gordons]

I have a little ergot in some of my wheat but it is not a problem. I have heard of some with 1-2% if this is a problem contact your seedplant. The seedplant in Vegreville has a new gravity table that can clean out a lot depending on samples. Some have gone from sample to #2 big difference in $..

[shelka]

There's been a lot of ergot throughout the province. The next question is what to do with the ergot once it's been cleaned out? A good seed cleaning plant can separate the screenings so the producer can take home the non-ergot screenings then decide to bury or burn the infested remains.

[raymondb]

We have Ergot in AC Taber wheat--this was the only grain that was affected. I am wandering what I have to do to the affected land next year? We min till and I am planning to grow canola on this land. Do I need to disc or cultivate before I plant the canola? What happens the year after canola?

[bbrindle]

1. There was an article is this week's Agrinews on ergot. You'll find it at http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/ministry/agrinews/ then click on Nov 1. 2. The Canadian Grain Commission has info on ergot too at http://www.cgc.ca/Views/ergot/ergot99-e.htm 3. I'll copy your question into the 'Crop Production' room and perhaps someone there can help you.