The present invention relates to methods of preparing loline alkaloids, compositions comprising loline alkaloids including pesticidal compositions, and uses of the compositions including uses as biological control agents. Methods for the control of pests, including plant or animal pests, and for the enhancement of plant growth or reproduction, and treatment and prevention of insect infection and infestation, for example in plants and animals, are also provided.本發明涉及製備黑麥草鹼生物鹼之方法，涉及包含黑麥草鹼生物鹼之組合物，這些組合物包括殺有害生物組成物，以及涉及這些組成物之用途，包括作為生物控制劑之用途。還提供了用於控制有害生物之方法，這些有害生物包括植物或動物有害生物，並且提供了用於增強植物生長或繁殖以及治療和預防例如植物和動物中的昆蟲感染和侵染之方法。
