ERGOT ABUNDANT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 January 1942, Page 4

ERGOT ABUNDANT

FROM KAIPARORO TO HAMUA. GOOD CHANCE FOR COLLECTORS. “In the course of the past, day or two I have been able to inspect roadside areas of tall fescue in the Eketahuna district,” stated Mr N. Lamont, Department of Agriculture, Masterton, today, “ahd I can advise those interested that abundant supplies of ergot are available in that district. Indeed, while it was not expected that collectors would judge the gathering of this material purely as a money-making affair, there is little doubt that the high degree of ergot infestation noted from Kaiparoro to Hamua, would make its collection quite a profitable business. “Collectors will find that at present at least, the damp state of the fescue heads will make the separation of the ergot difficult but the best procedure is to cut or strip the heads and not attempt to separate the ergot from the seeds arid straw until it has been thoroughly dried. Gentle rubbing or shaking will then separate the ergot grains from the seed husks and the latter can then be be winnowed out quite easily in a steady breeze —or for that matter in the draught from a vacuum cleaner.” i