Question

Ergot is obtained from
A. Agaricus
B. Claviceps
C. Commiphora
D. Ephedra

Answer 1

Hint: There are two known forms of ergot. One is ergot drugs and the other is a fungal disease which is in which it attacks the cereal grasses. Ergot drugs are used to get relief from the severe pain of headaches during the migraine.

Complete step by step answer: Ergot is a type of fungal disease that can be seen in cereal grasses, especially rye plants are mostly affected by this disease. The disease results in a decrease in the production of cereal grains by infected plants and can contaminate harvests.
Ergot is the alkaloids that can be obtained from ergot fungi Claviceps purpurea, which is a fungus of the genus Claviceps. Generally, this genus grows on the rye plant and forms alkaloids. These fungi are the causative agent causing a fungal disease in plants known as ergot of rye. The affected grains appear as dark purple or black coloured kernels. These are referred to as the ergot bodies. If the affected grains are taken as food by humans, it can cause ergotism. This type of disease can be mostly found in tropical and subtropical countries.
This fungus is also known as the sclerotia which produces the spore of fungal species. The sclerotia of ergot fungi are mainly used to produce LSD i.e. Lysergic acid diethylamide drugs that act on the central nervous system. These sclerotia can cause a disorder in blood circulation and neurotransmitters. They act as natural hallucinogens that are responsible for changes in mood and behaviour.
Ergot is commonly associated with rye which is mainly infected by Claviceps purpurea but other economically important cereals can also be infected to the disease by other fungal species. For example, ergot of sorghum is caused due to Claviceps africana, while the ergot of pearl millet is due to Claviceps fusiformis. This ergot infection takes place in the cold weather which continues to the rainy springs.
Therefore, the most correct option is option B.

Note: Ergot is a group of fungi commonly known as the purple club-headed fungus and produces alkaloids. This type of fungal infection is seen in the cereal grasses like rye, sorghum, pearl millet. An alkaloid is obtained from ergot fungi Claviceps purpurea, which is a fungus of the genus Claviceps. When the contaminated grain is consumed it causes a disease in humans called ergotism which can be very fatal.