pathways) production by the non-endophytic fungus
Rhizoctonia leguminicola, a mold that colonizes
certain legumes. In cell culture, R. leguminicola has
been used to produce swainsonine and slaframine for
research applications.
While much research has been conducted in
China on locoweeds, endophytes, and swainsonine,
more research is required to fully understand the
plant–endophyte relationship, determine ways to
control the expanding infestation by locoweeds, and
develop management guidelines to reduce livestock
losses and improve sustainability of this important
grassland resource.