Two indole alkaloids with defense related functions are synthesized in the genus Hordeum of the Triticeae. Gramine (3(dimethyl-amino-methyl)-indole) is found in H. spontaneum and in some varieties of H. vulgare, the benzoxazinoid 2,4-dihydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIBOA) is detected in H.