The occurrence of an undescribed ergot species, Claviceps citrina,
on the halophytic chloridoid grass Distichlis spicata, in the
Texcoco
region of central Mexico, is reported. RAPD and ITS1 sequences of this
fungus were compared with other Claviceps species and the
morphological uniqueness of the fungus was reinforced. Its sclerotia
do not contain any alkaloids of the ergoline type. Germination
of sclerotia occurred immediately after placing them on humid sand.
After removal of the capitula, the remaining stipe was able to
regenerate the capitulum.