Ergot and ergot alkaloids in French cereals: occurrence, pattern and agronomic practices for managing the risk

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Orlando ◽  
C. Maumené ◽  
F. Piraux
Keyword(s):  
Ergot Alkaloid ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Alkaloid Content ◽  
Agronomic Practices ◽  
Cereal Species ◽  
Tillage System ◽  
Occurrence Pattern ◽  
Total Alkaloid Content ◽  
Harvest Year

Ergot is a disease of cereals and grasses caused by the ascomycete fungus Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul. This fungus infects young, usually unfertilised ovaries, replacing the seeds with dark mycelial masses known as sclerotia. The amount of sclerotia in marketable grain is strictly regulated in many countries. We found that ergot and its alkaloids were common in French farm fields during the 2012, 2013 and 2014 harvests. Before cleaning, ergot was present in harvest samples from 23 to 30% of wheat fields, 15 to 30% of durum wheat fields, 27 to 39% of barley fields, 45 to 66% of triticale fields, 12 to 29% of oat fields and 67 to 81% of rye fields. Triticale and rye were thus the cereals most prone to infection. The proportion of total ergot alkaloid in sclerotia varied, but the relationship between ergot sclerotium content and total ergot alkaloid concentration in the grain was strongly positive and independent of harvest year and cereal species. Ergot sclerotia content explained 75% of the variance for alkaloid content. We found that the main alkaloid and corresponding epimer, per gram of sclerotia, were ergotamine (29.2% of total ergot alkaloids), followed by ergosine (26.3%), ergocristine (18.5%), ergometrine (9.8%), ergocryptine (8.2%) and ergocornine (7.9%). The -ine isomers accounted for 70.5%, with the -inine isomers accounting for the remaining 29.5%. The mean total alkaloid content of C. purpurea sclerotia was 3,103 µg/g. This survey identified and ranked agronomic practices for limiting the risk of ergot contamination in crops. Host plant, previous crop, grassweed presence and tillage system all had a significant influence on alkaloid content. We identified and ranked agronomic practices for limiting and managing the risks of ergot and ergot alkaloids in the field. However, the main factor driving ergot infection is weather conditions.

The effects of selected factors on measured ergot alkaloid content in Claviceps purpurea-infected hexaploid and durum wheat

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 555-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.A. Tittlemier ◽  
D. Drul ◽  
M. Roscoe ◽  
J.G. Menzies
Keyword(s):  
Durum Wheat ◽  
Host Plant ◽  
Spring Wheat ◽  
Ergot Alkaloid ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Alkaloid Content ◽  
Claviceps Purpurea ◽  
Wheat Line ◽  
Hard Red Spring Wheat ◽  
Plant Line

Four wheat genotypes, including the ergot-susceptible durum ‘AC Avonlea’ and hard red spring wheat ‘AC Cadillac’, as well as the resistant durum wheat line 9260B-173A and the hard red spring wheat line ‘Kenya Farmer’ wereinoculated with different Claviceps purpurea isolates. Honeydew and sclerotia were collected and analysed for 10 ergot alkaloids. Total concentrations of the 10 ergot alkaloids ranged from 16 µg/kg in honeydew to 1,798 mg/kg insclerotia. Ergonovine and ergosine were the predominant alkaloids in honeydew obtained from plants inoculated with various isolates, whereas ergocristine and ergocryptine were the main alkaloids observed in sclerotia. Bothhost plant and C. purpurea isolate were significant factors affecting total ergot alkaloid concentrations in sclerotia. Irrespective of host plant line, all mean total ergot alkaloid concentrations were higher in sclerotia produced from the EI-2 isolate (695-1,010 mg/kg), as compared to EI-4 (255-594 mg/kg). The mass of total ergot alkaloids was alsopositively correlated with the mass of individual sclerotia produced from these two C. purpurea isolates, with the slope of the regression higher for the EI-2 isolate. The total ergot alkaloid concentrations in sclerotia from various plants inoculated with the same C. purpurea isolate differed; however, the resistance of host plant line did notappear to be consistent with ergot alkaloid content in sclerotia. Concentrations of total ergot alkaloids were highestand lowest in sclerotia from the two lines that are both classified as ‘resistant’, suggesting that the mechanism ofresistance for these lines is not restriction on the production of ergot alkaloids in sclerotia.

Proportions of predominant Ergot alkaloids (Claviceps purpurea) detected in Western Canadian grains from 2014 to 2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 259-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Grusie ◽  
V. Cowan ◽  
J. Singh ◽  
J. McKinnon ◽  
B. Blakley
Keyword(s):  
Ergot Alkaloid ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Cereal Crops ◽  
Western Canada ◽  
Claviceps Purpurea ◽  
Total Alkaloids ◽  
Relative Composition ◽  
Equivalence Factor ◽  
Total Alkaloid Content ◽  
Toxicological Significance

Ergot alkaloids, produced by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, are contaminants of cereal crops. Depending on various factors, the relative composition of individual ergot alkaloids can differ among samples. The objective was to determine if the percentage of individual ergot alkaloids were similar across different cereal grains (barley n=39, rye n=7, triticale n=9, wheat n=94) collected in Western Canada over different years. Ergocristine was the predominant alkaloid accounting for half of the total alkaloids in all grain types. This study documented that barley, rye, triticale and wheat collected across Western Canada had similar percentages of ergocornine (6±1%, P=0.201), ergocristine (48±2%, P=0.939), ergocryptine (17±2%, P=0.302) and ergosine (5±0.5%, P=0.239). There were differences between grain types for ergometrine (P=0.027) and ergotamine (P=0.011), which ranged between 6 to 13% and 11 to 24%, respectively, of the total alkaloid content in different cereals. Both barley and wheat alkaloid percentages were similar between 2015 and 2016; ergocornine (7±1%, P=0.969), ergocristine (47±2%, P=0.680), ergocryptine (18±2%, P=0.572), ergometrine (8±1%, P=0.080), ergosine (15±1%, P=0.119) and ergotamine (P=0.189). The ergocornine percentage was higher in wheat (P=0.017) as compared to barley for 2015/2016 samples. Ergometrine was higher in barley (P=0.002) as compared to wheat for 2015/2016 samples. While two of the alkaloid proportions varied statistically, overall proportions of the six ergot alkaloids were comparable among the four grain types collected across Western Canada. If proportions of ergot alkaloids are similar across a region, then it may be deemed acceptable to recommend a maximum total ergot alkaloid concentration for that region. However, areas that exhibit variation among the ergot alkaloid proportions, individual ergot alkaloid guidelines based on a toxic equivalence factor, may be more appropriate. In contrast, since major differences were not seen between years or grain type, from a producer perspective there may be limited biological/toxicological significance for individual alkaloid guidelines.

scholarly journals Relationship of Sphinganine Analog Mycotoxin Contamination in Maize Silage to Seasonal Weather Conditions and to Agronomic and Ensiling Practices

2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (4) ◽  
pp. 504-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele A. Mansfield ◽  
Douglas D. Archibald ◽  
A. Daniel Jones ◽  
Gretchen A. Kuldau
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Liquid Chromatography ◽  
High Pressure Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Maize Silage ◽  
Agronomic Practices ◽  
Tillage System ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Seasonal Weather

Sphinganine analog mycotoxins (SAMs) are reported in maize and maize based feeds. Our objectives were to detect and quantify fumonisins B1 and B2 and Alternaria toxins (AAL toxins) AAL-TA and AAL-TB and determine how agronomic practices, weather conditions, and ensiling affected the occurrence and levels in maize silage. Silage was collected at harvest and after ensiling in 2001 and 2002 from 30 to 40 dairies, representing four regions in Pennsylvania. SAMs were quantified using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection and high pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry HPLC-MS. The average concentrations and ranges were as follows: fumonisin B1 2.02 μg/g (0.20 to 10.10), fumonisin B2 0.98 μg/g (0.20 to 20.30), AAL-TA 0.17 μg/g (0.20 to 2.01), and AAL-TB 0.05 μg/g (0.03 to 0.90). Fumonisin B1 was the most frequently detected toxin (92%) in all samples, followed by fumonisin B2 (55%), AAL-TA (23%), and -TB (13%). Temperature during maize development was positively correlated with fumonisin occurrence and levels and negatively with AAL-TA, while moisture events were negatively correlated with fumonisins and positively with AAL-TA. Fumonisin levels were higher in silage harvested at later developmental stages (dough through physiological maturity). Ensiling did not affect toxin concentration nor did agronomic practices (tillage system, inoculant use, or silo type) or silage characteristics (dry matter, pH, or organic acid concentration). This is the first report of AAL-TB in silage and on factors that affect SAM frequency and levels in maize silage.

scholarly journals Assessment of ergot (Claviceps purpurea) exposure in pregnant and postpartum beef cows

2018 ◽  
Vol 98 (4) ◽  
pp. 688-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Grusie ◽  
V. Cowan ◽  
J. Singh ◽  
J. McKinnon ◽  
B. Blakley
Keyword(s):  
Ergot Alkaloid ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Maximum Size ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Plasma Prolactin ◽  
Claviceps Purpurea ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
The Impact

Cows were fed ration for 9 wk containing 5, 48, 201, and 822 μg kg−1 ergot alkaloids. The objective was to evaluate the impact of ergot consumption in beef cow–calf operations. Ergot alkaloids up to 822 μg kg−1 did not alter the weight of peripartum and postpartum beef cows (P = 0.93) or nursing calves (P = 0.08), rectal temperature (P = 0.16), or plasma prolactin concentrations (P = 0.30) at moderate ambient temperatures. Ergot did not influence the time (>1 ng mL−1; P = 0.79) or the progesterone concentration (P = 0.38) at the time of first postpartum rise or the size of the first (14 ± 0.6 mm; P = 0.40) and second (13 ± 0.5 mm; P = 0.41) follicles to ovulate. The maximum size of the first postpartum corpus luteum (CL) was 4 mm larger in the 822 μg kg−1 ergot group compared with the control (P = 0.03) for the first ovulation post partum, but not for the second (P = 0.11). There was no effect of ergot exposure on the number of days until the appearance of the first (43 ± 4 d; P = 0.95) or second (52 ± 4 d; P = 0.98) CL post partum. Ergot alkaloid concentrations up to 822 μg kg−1 did not affect pregnancy rates (X2 = 0.36). In conclusion, ergot alkaloid exposure for 9 wk to concentrations as high as 822 μg kg−1 did not alter performance in pregnant and postpartum beef cattle at moderate ambient temperatures.

Integrated Ultrasound-Mechanical Stirrer Technique for Extraction of Total Alkaloid Content from Annona muricata

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia Hau Lee ◽  
Lee Ting Hun ◽  
Pei Ying Ong ◽  
Syie Luing Wong ◽  
Norfadilah Hamdan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Alkaloid ◽  
Alkaloid Content ◽  
Annona Muricata ◽  
Total Alkaloid Content

Isolation of ergovaline, ergoptine, and ergonine, new alkaloids of the peptide type, from ergot sclerotia

1979 ◽  
Vol 57 (13) ◽  
pp. 1638-1641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rudolf Brunner ◽  
Peter Leopold Stütz ◽  
Hans Tscherter ◽  
Paul Albert Stadler
Keyword(s):  
Total Synthesis ◽  
Ergot Alkaloid ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Extraction Processes

The isolation of three new ergot alkaloids of the peptide type from sclerotia of Clavicepspurpurea and from mother liquors of rye ergot alkaloid extraction processes is described. The constitution of the new alkaloids ergovaline, ergoptine, and ergonine has been established by comparison with compounds previously obtained by total synthesis.

scholarly journals Influence of Prolonged Serotonin and Ergovaline Pre-Exposure on Vasoconstriction Ex Vivo

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Eriton E. L. Valente ◽  
David L. Harmon ◽  
James L. Klotz
Keyword(s):  
Blood Vessels ◽  
Ergot Alkaloid ◽  
Inhibitory Concentration ◽  
Contractile Response ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Exposure Period ◽  
Inhibitory Response ◽  
Previous Exposure ◽  
Ic50 Concentration

Ergot alkaloid mycotoxins interfere in many functions associated with serotonergic neurotransmitters. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate whether the association of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and ergot alkaloids during a 24 h pre-incubation could affect the vascular contractile response to ergot alkaloids. To evaluate the effects of 24 h exposure to 5-HT and ergot alkaloids (ergovaline, ERV), two assays were conducted. The first assay determined the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) following the 24 h pre-exposure period, while the second assay evaluated the effect of IC50 concentrations of 5-HT and ERV either individually or in combination. There was an interaction between previous exposure to 5-HT and ERV. Previous exposure to 5-HT at the IC50 concentration of 7.57 × 10−7 M reduced the contractile response by more than 50% of control, while the exposure to ERV at IC50 dose of 1.57 × 10−10 M tended to decrease (p = 0.081) vessel contractility with a response higher than 50% of control. The 24 h previous exposure to both 5-HT and ERV did not potentiate the inhibitory response of blood vessels in comparison with incubation with each compound alone. These results suggest receptor competition between 5-HT and ERV. More studies are necessary to determine the potential of 5-HT to treat toxicosis caused by ergot alkaloids.

scholarly journals Differentially expressed genes in cotyledon of ewes fed mycotoxins

BMC Genomics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Britt ◽  
R. E. Noorai ◽  
S. K. Duckett
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Ergot Alkaloid ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Fetal Weight ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Coagulation Cascade ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Metabolism Regulation

Abstract Background Ergot alkaloids (E+) are mycotoxins produced by the endophytic fungus, Epichloë coenophiala, in tall fescue that are associated with ergotism in animals. Exposure to ergot alkaloids during gestation reduces fetal weight and placental mass in sheep. These reductions are related to vasoconstrictive effects of ergot alkaloids and potential alterations in nutrient transport to the fetus. Cotyledon samples were obtained from eight ewes that were fed E+ (n = 4; E+/E+) or E- (endophyte-free without ergot alkaloids; n = 4; E−/E-) seed during both mid (d 35 to 85) and late (d 85–133) gestation to assess differentially expressed genes associated with ergot alkaloid induced reductions in placental mass and fetal weight, and discover potential adaptive mechanisms to alter nutrient supply to fetus. Results Ewes fed E+/E+ fescue seed during both mid and late gestation had 20% reduction in fetal body weight and 33% reduction in cotyledon mass compared to controls (E−/E-). Over 13,000 genes were identified with 110 upregulated and 33 downregulated. Four genes had a |log2FC| > 5 for ewes consuming E+/E+ treatment compared to controls: LECT2, SLC22A9, APOC3, and MBL2. REViGO revealed clusters of upregulated genes associated glucose, carbohydrates, lipid, protein, macromolecular and cellular metabolism, regulation of wound healing and response to starvation. For downregulated genes, no clusters were present, but all enriched GO terms were associated with anion and monocarboxylic acid transport. The complement and coagulation cascade and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway were found to be enriched for ewes consuming E+/E+ treatment. Conclusions Consumption of ergot alkaloids during gestation altered the cotyledonary transcriptome specifically related to macronutrient metabolism, wound healing and starvation. These results show that ergot alkaloid exposure upregulates genes involved in nutrient metabolism to supply the fetus with additional substrates in attempts to rescue fetal growth.

scholarly journals Alkaloids of the sorghum ergot pathogen (Claviceps africana): assay methods for grain and feed and variation between sclerotia/sphacelia

2003 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 167 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. J. Blaney ◽  
R. Maryam ◽  
S-A. Murray ◽  
M. J. Ryley
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Ammonium Hydroxide ◽  
Alkaloid Content ◽  
Phase Detection ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Claviceps Africana ◽  
Assay Methods ◽  
Total Alkaloid Content ◽  
Mixed Feeds ◽  
Layer Chromatography

Assay methods for the alkaloids of sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana) are described and compared. Sorghum ergot bodies (sclerotia/sphacelia) from various regions of Queensland and New South Wales were collected in 1997 and 2001 and assayed by spectrophotometry, thin layer chromatography, or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All contained dihydroergosine (DHES) as the main alkaloid component (about 80%), with smaller amounts of dihydroelymoclavine and festuclavine. The preferred method of assay for infected sorghum and mixed feeds involved extraction into dichloromethane:methanol:ethyl acetate:ammonium hydroxide (50:5:25:1) using an ultrasonic bath. After solvent removal, the extract was dissolved in diethyl ether and partitioned into 0.5 M hydrochloric acid. After adjusting the pH to 8–10 with ammonium hydroxide, the alkaloids were extracted into dichloromethane, the solvent evaporated, and the residue dissolved in methanol. HPLC separation was on a C18 column, 150 × 3.9 mm, run isocratically at 40�C, with acetonitrile:0.1% ammonium acetate:methanol (31:50:20) as the mobile phase. Detection was either by UV at 280 nm or by fluorescence with excitation at 235 nm and absorbance at 340 nm. Levels of quantitation for DHES in sorghum approached 0.1 mg/kg (UV) and 0.01 mg/kg (fluorescence). Method recoveries for DHES in the range of 0.025–7 mg/kg averaged 75%. The total alkaloid content of ergot bodies (sclerotia/sphacelia) from different batches of grain varied from 100 to 7900 mg/kg (0.79%). Within batches, there was much less variation in the alkaloid content of ergot bodies, but larger ergots tended to contain more alkaloid than smaller ergots, and those infected with Cerebella species contained even less; this probably related to the ratio of sclerotial/sphacelial tissue present. Honeydew also contained DHES (1–10 mg/kg) and might contaminate clean grain at significant levels. Tests on 4 farms showed that substantial amounts of ergot bodies and alkaloids were removed during grain harvesting.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document