ARS/FAPRU: Tall Fescue Characteristics

Ergot alkaloid purification We have the capability to extract tall fescue alkaloids from powdered seed in 30 cm x 80 cm columns and in large tub extractor (300+ lbs each batch) with 80% ethanol as the first step in purification. This past year we have increased the purification to about 3000-fold but have not been able to form a salt of the alkaloid. We also have some success for chemical synthesis ergovaline. In addition we will (1) continue to cooperate as we have in the recent past with the groups in the College and FAPRU. However, the laboratory cannot do an infinite number of analysis or different types of analysis. (2) do lysergic acid, ergovaline, ergovalinine, ergotamine, ergotaminine, N-acetylloline, N-formylloline, N-acetylnorloline and peramine determinations of forage and seed as necessary. Additional analyses could be added as demand and as results are validated. To accomplish these activities the lab has two HPLC’s with florescence and uv/vis detectors for ergot and some of the diazaphrenthrene alkaloid analysis. HPLC/ms will be used for some analysis, especially minor ergot alkaloids and peramine. Also, the lab has gc’s with FID and MS detectors for the pyrrolizidine alkaloid analysis and lc/MS for the ergot alkaloids. Ergot alkaloid purification for analytical standards and small amounts for cell culture bioassays will be done on our Waters autopurification system.