", the most serious disease of rye, causes severe losses. This disease is characterized by large purple-black bodies that replace some of the rye kernels in the head. Ergot can be controlled by sowing ergot-free seed on land that has not been cropped to rye for at least 2 years. Ergot loses its viability after a year; if year-old seed is sown, there is little likelihood of infection. Ergot is poisonous to humans and to . If must be removed from rye grain that is to be used for feed or for milling. ... and attack rye but are not serious because crops usually mature before the damage becomes significant. can be destructive to rye, but rarely occurs. causes stunted growth and premature ripening of the rye plant. It is particularly severe in the East South Central and South Atlantic States."