Ergot is a grass disease caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea. It is a common problem in cereal crops, and can cause serious losses in yield and quality. Symptoms of ERGOT include dark, elongated sclerotia that replace the grain in infected plants. These sclerotia contain toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals if consumed. ERGOT is spread by wind-borne spores, and can be managed through crop rotation and fungicide applications.