Claviceps Purpurea on Spartina in Coastal Marshes

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Abstract
SUMMARY The ergot fungus Claviceps purpurea was found on Spartina alterniflora throughout Gulf and Atlantic coastal marshes. Spartina patens and Spartina cynosuroides were also collected bearing sclerotia of C. purpurea. Observations on the intensity of infection are reported, with notably heavy infection apparent in regions of spoil deposits Conditions for germination of sclerotia are given along with some details of stromal morphology. Implications of C. purpurea in salt marsh ecosystems are discussed.