Isolation and characterization of an alkaloid-blocked mutant of Claviceps paspali

After UV-irradiation an alkaloid-blocked mutant of Claviceps paspali was isolated from an ergometrine and lysergic acid amides (1:1) producing strain. The formation of ergometrine is blocked in this particular mutant strain which accumulates only lysergic acid amides. A significant morphological differentation of colonies of mutant as well as of mycelium in submerged cultures could be observed and total alkaloid yields are rather influenced.