Seed Shortages in 2022 AND reducing harmful effects of ergot

The Saskatchewan Seed Growers’ Association has warned farmers that seed supply will be tight in 2022. Drought had an impact on seed production. But grain contracts that need to be filled might tempt seed growers to take grain to the elevator instead of keeping it as seed.Todd Hyra with SeCan talks about how seed production was impacted this year and gives some advice for producers who are still trying to secure seed for the spring.Ergot is a fungus that can be found in wheat, barley, and rye during wet and damp growing seasons. The ergot body or sclerotia replaces the kernel and turns it a black or dark purple color. These sclerotia contain poisonous chemical compounds, which can cause conditions such as lameness and gangrene in cows. In humans, ergot poisoning is linked to convulsions and hallucinations.University of Saskatchewan PhD student Jensen Cherewyk is studying how ammonia and UV light can be used to reduce the harmful effect of ergot in cereal crops. Jensen will talk about her research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.