Characterization of Alkaloids in Palatable and Unpalatable Clones of Phalaris arundinacea L1

Summary

Palatable reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) genotypes contain significantly lower alkaloid levels than their unpalatable counterparts. In trials with lambs, palatable clones averaged 0.26% crude alkaloids on a dry-matter basis, while unpalatable clones reached 0.78%. Notably, the unpalatable varieties had 18 times more of the alkaloid 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT). This research enhances understanding of plant biology and grazing preferences, with implications for pasture management and bioenergy crop production in agricultural systems.

Abstract

We determined the types and amounts of alkaloids found in four reed canarygrass ( Phalaris arundinacea L.) genotypes that differed in palatability. The palatability differences had been demonstrated previously in cafeteria grazing trials with lambs. The following alkaloids were identified in reed canarygrass by combinations of gas‐liquid chromatography, thin‐layer chromatography, and mass spectrometry: gramine, hordenine, N‐monomethyltryptamine, N,N‐dimethyltryptamine, 5‐methoxy‐N‐monomethyltryptamine, 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT). Three additional peaks were detected by gas‐liquid chromatography, and work is in progress to determine their structures. The crude alkaloid content of the palatable and unpalatable clones averaged 0.26 and 0.78%, respectively, on a dry‐matter basis. The amount of 5‐MeO‐DMT in the unpalatable clones averaged 18 times the amount found in palatable clones.

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