Translocation of isoquinoline alkaloids to the hemiparasite, Tristerix verticillatus from its host, Berberis montana

Abstract

1. Subject and sourceTristerix verticillatus (Ruiz et Pav.) Barlow et Wiens (Loranthaceae) is a stem hemiparasitic flowering species fromthe Andean region of South America where it grows in association with many different host-plant species (Kuijt, 1988).Translocation of alkaloids toT. verticillatus from its hosts was assessed bycomparing alkaloid content of T. verticillatus hostedby Berberis montana Gay (Berberidaceae), an alkaloid-containing species (Fajardo et al.,1986) in a genus well known for thepresence of isoquinoline alkaloids (Fajardo, 1992; Karimov, 1993; Schiff, 2000), and by alkaloid-lacking Schinus montanus(Philippi) (Anacardiaceae).Representative samples of leaves of T. verticillatus growing on S. montanus (T–Sm) and on B. montana (T–Bm) werecollected during March–April 2006 at Yerba Loca Sanctuary (33 18