Impact of ergot on Kentucky bluegrass grown for seed in northeastern Oregon

The impact of ergot on production of Kentucky bluegrass grown for seed in northeastern Oregon was determined. High levels of ergot occurred in only two of the six cultivars examined. In susceptible cultivars as many as 504 sclerotia per gram of seed were detected. This equated to 47% ergot by weight, or 25% infected seed. Ergot severity (percent sclerotia by weight) in Kentucky bluegrass seed in 1991 to 1994 was estimated at 0.20, 0.04, 0.07, and 1.15%, respectively, based on total seed production in northeastern Oregon. Percent seed replaced by sclerotia in 1991 to 1994 was 0.05, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.44%, respectively A significant relationship between ergot severity and yield was not detected. However, a 9% reduction in marketable seed weight occurred when seed lots contaminated with ergot were recleaned to meet purity standards.