ABSTRACT
The ergot alkaloids produced by C. purpurea depend to some extent on the host infected. Rye (Secale cereale) produces some of the highest amounts of ergot alkaloids, mainly ergocristine, ergotamine, and lesser amounts of ergosine, ergocornine, ergokryptine, and ergonovine (Scott et al., 1992). Wheat (Triticum aestivum) ergot contains a similar distribution of alkaloids as does the hybrid of the two (Triticale). Barley, on the other hand, seems to produce more ergotamine
than ergocristine (Porter et al., 1987), while other grasses like fescue (infected with Claviceps only) produce more ergosine than is found on other host grasses. Of course the story becomes infinitely more complex if the full range of Claviceps species and hosts are considered.
