Mechanism of honeydew formation by Claviceps species

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Abstract
The biochemical and biophysical relationships of sugar movement were studied in ergot-infected grasses. The results indicate a mechanism for honeydew formation by various Claviceps species. Significant increases in the rates of translocation and transpiration were noted in culms of grasses infected with ergot and appear to be due in part to a 10- to 50-fold difference in water potential between the host and the parasite. The conversion of host sucrose to fungal honeydew sugars was demonstrated by radioactive labeling techniques. The creation of a 'sucrose sink' is probably the major driving force behind increased translocation in the direction of the parasite.

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