Aspergillus clavatus

The causative agent of the disease is the fungus Aspergillus clavatus, which belongs to the group of imperfect fungi. This microorganism is widespread in the soil and is primarily a saprotroph, but under certain conditions, it exhibits parasitic properties, causing seed molding and decay of plant debris. The fungus is capable of producing dangerous secondary metabolites, particularly patulin, making it a highly undesirable agent in agriculture.

The main crops susceptible to this pathogen are cereal grains (wheat, barley, oats) as well as maize. The infection most often affects seeds during storage if temperature and humidity regimes are violated, but it can also develop on planting material directly in the soil under unfavorable germination conditions.

Symptoms of the infection manifest as the appearance of a specific blue-gray or dusty coating on the surface of seeds or seedling roots. With severe infestation, seeds lose germination capacity, become shriveled, and their tissues undergo degradation. Under high humidity, dense colonies of the fungus can form on the grain mass, leading to the spoilage of the entire batch of produce.

The development of the pathogen depends directly on environmental conditions: the optimal temperature for active growth ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, and the critical factor is substrate moisture above 16–18%. Infection often occurs through soil particles or through contact between healthy grain and infected plant debris or spores in storage facilities.

The pathogenicity of Aspergillus clavatus lies not only in reduced field germination and crop thinning but also in the accumulation of mycotoxins. Consumption of contaminated grain by livestock and humans leads to serious poisoning; therefore, preventing mold growth is a crucial step in ensuring food safety.

• Seed treatment with systemic fungicides.
• Thorough cleaning and drying of grain before storage.
• Maintaining humidity in grain silos at levels below 14%.
• Adherence to crop rotation and deep burial of plant residues.