ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the known ergot and other alkaloids produced by selected endophytes with evolutionary and biosynthetic interrelationships to alkaloid production and those alkaloids believed to result from the endophyte-grass host associations. Although primary emphasis will be placed on the ergot and lolitrem alkaloids produced by Acremonium spp., because of their historical significance and genetic relationships, alkaloid production and identification by Epichloe spp. and Balansia spp. Alkaloid production by most endophyte-host associations is predominately related to defense and species survival and therefore is contingent on dynamic, environmental influences. Consequently, culturing of the endophytes has not reached commercialization and generally resides within laboratory investigations. Release of new genetically-designed endophyte-grass symbionts should be considered only after comprehensive chemical analyses and the implementation of controlled agronomic and protected animal trials.
