Claviceps sorghi
| Claviceps sorghi | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Sordariomycetes |
| Order: | Hypocreales |
| Family: | Clavicipitaceae |
| Genus: | Claviceps |
| Species: | C. sorghi |
| Binomial name | |
| Claviceps sorghi B.G.P. Kulk., (1976) | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Sphacelia sorghi McRae, (1917) | |
Claviceps sorghi is a fungal plant pathogen belonging to the phylum Ascomycota in the kingdom Fungi- its anamorphic phase is known as Sphacelia sorghi. This species was first found in In India in 1915 and officially recorded in 1948 . The genus Claviceps is known for infection of cereal and millet crops. This particular species of Claviceps infects Sorghum - giving the fungus its name 'sorghi'. These species in Claviceps are known to produce ergot on their host, as a byproduct of their infection. This can cause the disease known as ergotism when the infected crop is consumed.