62 Ergot and Clover Sickness [cH. 
Meadow hay is perfectly safe for cattle as the ergot 
does not form for some time after the stage at which 
the grasses are cut. The grasses in the hedges and 
roadsides should be cut and burnt in late autumn. 
. 
Fig. 22. A clover plant attacked by Sclerotinia trifoliorum; white 
sclerotia are present at the top of the root. Later on these sclerotia 
become black. 
Clover Sickness. 
The dying off of clover, known as “ clover sickness,” 
is intimately associated with two organisms—one a 
fungus known as Sclerotinia trifoliorum, the second 
a small eelworm known as Tylenchus dipsaci (see 
p. 166). The two are often found together attacking 
the same plant. The disease is usually noticed first on 
young clover in the autumn. Mild weather seems to be 
