Detection of ergopeptine alkaloids in endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass by tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract

Extract

Madam:— There is currently considerable interest in the effects of the ryegrass endophyte upon animal performance and pasture production. Recent research has resulted in the isolation of the lolitrem neurotoxins ⁽³⁾ and the Argentine stem weevil feeding deterrent peramine ⁽⁶⁾ from endophyte infected perennial ryegrass. We now wish to report the occurrence in endophyte infected ryegrass of a third group of bioactive compounds; the ergopeptine alkaloids which have been detected in ryegrass stubble using tandem mass spectrometry.