Final answer:
The term “mother corn” is not typically used in the context of fungal diseases of grain; instead, it might refer to corn smut, a disease that produces large galls on corn. The fungus Claviceps purpurea affects rye and produces a mycotoxin leading to ergotism, while corn smut is considered a delicacy in some parts of the world.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term “mother corn” is not a standard term used for infested grain of rye; however, it may be a misunderstanding or confusion with another term. Fungus-infested rye is prominently known for being affected by Claviceps purpurea, a fungus that produces a mycotoxin called ergot toxin. This mycotoxin is responsible for causing ergotism, a disease that can present in two forms: gangrenous and convulsive. Gangrenous ergotism results in vasoconstriction leading to gangrene, while convulsive ergotism affects the central nervous system, causing mania and hallucinations.
Corn smut, another fungal disease that affects maize and is caused by Ustilago maydis, produces galls that may be mistaken for “mother corn” due to their large appearance. However, these galls, despite reducing crop yields, are considered a delicacy in some cultures, such as in Mexico.
Rust and smut diseases, which include corn smut and ergotism, are significant threats to agriculture, as they can lead to substantial yield losses and are difficult to control due to their intricate life cycles and interaction with their host plants.