Report: Millet fungi killed MP elephants

BHOPAL: Scientists from Hyderabad-based ICRISAT have informed Madhya Pradesh government that a combination of multiple fungi in Kodu millet is emerging as leading cause behind deaths of 10 elephants in Bandhavgarh tiger reserve last month. State government is awaiting final report of ICRISAT, a forest official said.

The identified fungi include Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Penicillium cyclopium, which produce a toxic substance known as cyclopiazonic acid. This toxin is believed to be responsible for the elephants' deaths. MP officials sent samples for analysis to 10 laboratories across India, including ICRISAT, a non-profit research organisation .