Research Explorer

Project

Characterization and evolution of psychoactive and medicinal ergot alkaloids in African species of Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae)
Code
01W05223
Duration
01 October 2023 → 30 September 2028
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Analytical separation and detection techniques
    • Phylogeny and comparative analysis
    • Plant systematics and taxonomy
Keywords
Clavicipitaceae Convolvulaceae ergot alkaloids evolution Eastern Africa symbiosis.
 
Project description
 

Ergot Alkaloids (EAs) are bioactive compounds with medicinal and psychoactive properties, which are produced through a unique heritable fungi-plant symbiosis, only known to occur in grasses and morning glories (Ipomoea). The diversification of EAs in East African Ipomoea will be investigated, towards novel insights into the evolution of heritable fungal-plant symbiosis and EA diversification in Eudicotyledons.