Four phylogenetic species of ergot from Canada and their characteristics in morphology, alkaloid production, and pathogenicity

Four ergot species (<i>Claviceps ripicola, C. quebecensis, C. perihumidiphila</i>, and <i>C. occidentalis</i>) were recognized based on analyses of DNA sequences from multiple loci, including two housekeeping genes, RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (<i>RPB2</i>), and translation elongation factor 1-α (<i>TEF1-α</i>), and a single-copy ergot alkaloid synthesis gene (<i>easE</i>) encoding chanoclavine I synthase oxidoreductase. Morphological features, ergot alkaloid production, and pathogenicity on five common cereal crops of each species were evaluated and presented in taxonomic descriptions. A synoptic key was also provided for identification.