Fungal alkaloids mediate defense against bruchid beetles in field populations of an arborescent ipomoea.

ABSTRACT: Several Convolvulaceae species harbor heritable fungal endophytes from which alkaloids are translocated to reproductive tissues of the plant host. Evidence for the distribution and ecological role of these fungal alkaloids, however, is lacking or incomplete for many host species and growth forms. Here we report on the identity of the fungal endophytes and quantities of alkaloids present in the leaves and seeds of the arborescent morning glory, Ipomoea murucoides (Convolvulaceae). Young folded leaf samples taken from the wild, harbored mycelium of one of two fungal taxa wrapped around the leaves' glandular trichomes. Most trees harbored the swainsonine producing Ceramothyrium (Chaetothyriales) fungi while a few trees were found to harbor a Truncatella (Xylariales) species, suggesting endoph

SUBMITTER: Prado A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11850502 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature