Fungi infections, farmers

Many grasses are known to act as reservoirs and sources of primary C. purpurea inoculum (Hoffmann and Schmutterer, 1983 Agrios, 1997). Since beetle banks and non-crop field margins are commonly used in organic farming to increase biodiversity, it is possible that these areas may also become sources of Claviceps inoculum. The goal for farmers must be to achieve a balance between the benefits of on-farm biodiversity (e.g. improved habitat for pest predators) and the risk of increased infection by fungi such as Claviceps. 

Antifungals applied topically are used to treat dermatophytic infections caused by Trichophyton and Microsporum species. Ringworm is the most common and widely known of such fungal skin diseases of animals and birds. In recent years, a number of reports have appeared drawing attention to the high incidence of human ringworm caused by fungi from animals. The public health aspects of the disease is of considerable importance, whereas the economic impact to the farmer is yet not clearly defined. 

Moulds are a particular group of very small fungi which, under damp conditions, will grow on things such as walls, bread, cheese, leather and canvas. They can be beneficial (penicillin) or cause allergic reactions (asthma). Asthma attacks, athlete s foot and farmer s lung are all examples of fungal infections. 

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