ERGOT IN RYE GRASS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1188, 5 September 1874, Page 6

ERGOT IN RYE GRASS.

The following discussion, which took place at the opening meeting of the Wellington Philosophical Society, is upon a subject of such vital importance to the inhabitants of this district, that we publish full particulars from the Times. Dr. Hector introduced to the notice of the Society a very important question as affecting the sheep farmers and agriculturists throughout the colony —namely, the presence of ergot in rye grass. The subject was one to which Dr. Hector had devoted some attention previously, but the presence of ergot in rye grass pasture had so much increased during the past season, that several persons residing in various parts of the colony had brought the subject again under his notice by correspondence, which was read to the meeting. From this correspondence it appeared that the Hon. Mr. Foxhad devoted considerable attention to the subject, and his experience, together with that of the other communicants, went to show-that the effect of the presence of ergot was to give rise to a disease among breeding stock, which greatly reduced the increase. In one instance quoted, where a flock of ewes had been placed in a paddock where ergot was afterwards found to be present, the increase was only 17 per cent. Cattle and horses were said to be affected by ergot in the same manner. Dr. Hector said the subject was one which required close investigation, as it was quite possible that the same unseasonable weather which favoured the growth of fungi might also produce the effects attributed to the presence of ergot. It was undoubted, however, that some of the symptoms described in the correspondence were such as would be produced by ergotism. He had placed the specimens in Dr. Berggren's hands for examination, and it might be regarded as very fortunate that there was at that moment, during the discussion of so important a subject, such a high authority amongst them. Dr. Berggren being requested to assist the Society in its investigations, proceeded to give a clear and interesting statement of the growth and development of the ergot, which he described as a fungus which passed through three distinct stages of existence: first attacking the flower of the plant affected by it; next, the seed, in which condition it developed the characteristic spur or horn by which it is distinguished from other diseased grain, such as rust and smut; after which it fell to the ground, and developed differentspores, from which sprung a ground fungus of a red colour shaped something like a mushroom, the spores shed from this latter form being those which attacked the flower of the grass. The specimens submitted to him were unmistakeably the true ergot, which he thought must have been introduced into the colony withgrain. Mr. Berggren said it was possible the mild winters of New Zealand might affect its mode of development, as it might not require to remain so long in its winter state as in the north of Europe. Mr. C. O'Neil asked what effect frost, snow, and severe weather would have upon the ergot. Dr. Berggren replied that the seed of grain affected with fungus was usually steeped in sulphate of copper, but that process was efficacious only when the seed itself carried the germ ; it would be of no use when the fungus spores first attacked the plant when flowering. He did not think pasture became affected so as to be poisonous after the flowering season was past. In reference to Mr. O'Neil's question, Dr. Berggren said that of course climate might affect the ergot, but he was not aware whether in this country there were places where the ryegrass flowered while frost and snow were on the ground. The Hon. Mr. Randall Johnston expressed himself as greatly interested in the matter, as some of the symptoms described were of frequent occurrence amongst the stock at Poverty Bay, and he had never been able to obtain any satisfactory explanation as to the cause. What he had heard that evening was very suggestive. The disease, whatever might be its nature, was curable only by change of pasture. It affected horses in his district, though it was rarely fatal in such cases. In one fatal case an examination showed the spinal cord of the horse to be in a diseased state. Dr. Hector expressed a hope that the subject would receive the attention of farmers and others who were directly interested, as they had the best opportunities for observation. It seemed clear that the subject was not well understood at present.