Abstract: The present invention relates to the biosynthesis of indole diterpene compounds. In particular, the invention relates to genes encoding enzymes considered responsible for the synthesis of lolitrems.

Abstract: An endophyte or endophyte culture of N. lolii species is described that, in combination with a host grass does not cause typical symptoms of ryegrass toxicosis in grazing animals and also contains levels of compounds from the class of janthitrems epoxides to individually or in combination protect the host grass from pests or abiotic stresses or both. Uses and methods are also described to produce and characterise the combination as well as alternative uses for compounds from the class of janthitrem epoxide compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of a Neotyphodium species endophyte or endophyte culture in a symbiotic association with a host grass which association does not cause symptoms of toxicosis in animals through exclusion of ergovaline but, due to the inclusion of alkaloids including agroclavine, setoclavine or isosetoclavine, retains the ability to resist abiotic stresses and protect the grass from pests.