Experimental myrotheciotoxicosis in sheep and calves

Abstract

Extract

Moulds of the genus Myrothecium are widespread in distribution and have been recovered from plant material and soils in most parts of the world. One species, M. roridum, can be pathogenic to a wide range of host plants, causing shot holes and necrotic lesions in leaves, rot in fruits, and canker on stems. The conditions under which it changes from a saprophyte of soil and dead or senescent plant material to a pathogen have not yet been defined, but infections are said to be most serious under nursery or glasshouse conditions (Fitton and Holliday, 1970).