Wet soil conditions

Ergot requires moisture on soil surface to germinate and then wet, cool, cloudy conditions in the summer to extend the flowering and increase the amount of time spores can infect the florets.

Copper deficiency

Low soil copper levels increase pollen sterility which leads to high susceptibility to ergot infection.

High Nitrogen application rates

High rates of applied nitrogen combined with normal nitrogen mineralization can induce a copper deficiency even on soil with adequate soil test copper.

Herbicide Stress

Herbicide stresses are known to induce copper deficiency, delay maturity and cause pollen sterility, thereby allowing for a longer infection window.