LOCATION OF ERGOT ALKALOID AND FUNGI IN THE SEED OF RIVEA CORYMBOSA (L.) HALL, f., "OLOLIUQUI"

Abstract

Ergot-type alkaloids were found to be present in the embryo but not in the seed coat, seed membranes, or resinous layer under the seed coat of the hallucinogenic seed "ololiuqui" (Rivea corymbosa (L.) Hall. f.). The alkaloids were typically present in the seeds. Fungi were found to be present in the seed coat but not embryo of surface-sterilized seeds. They also were typically present in the seed and were concentrated about the hilum. The only fungi present in the seed were Chaetomium globosum, C. reflexum, C. spinosum, C. funicolum, and Fusarium moniliforme. The absence of fungi in the region of the seed which contained the alkaloid suggests that fungi are not the source of alkaloid.