Ergot alkaloid biosynthesis by isolates of Balansia epichloë and B. henningsiana

Abstract

Two endophytic clavicipitaceous fungi, Balansia epichloë and B. henningsiana, were isolated from several grasses, cultured on laboratory media, and assessed for their ability to produce the major ergot alkaloids agroclavine, chanoclavine (I), ergonovine, and ergonovinine. Data indicated that the ability of these two species of fungi to biosynthesize ergot alkaloids was host related. All isolates of B. epichloë from smut-grass (Sporobolus poiretii) and 59% of the isolates of B. henningsiana from broom-sedge (Andropogon virginicus) produced the major alkaloids in culture. All isolates of B. epichloë from Eragrostis secundiflora and E. hirsuta, and all isolates of B. henningsiana from Panicum tenerum failed to produce alkaloids. The total yield and chemical species of individual alkaloids varied among isolates from a sampling site.