Production of an isonitrile antibiotic by an UV-induced mutant of Trichoderma harzianum

Abstract Production of the antibiotic, homothallin II, by a UV-induced mutant strain of Trichoderma harzianum is reported, the wild-type parent of which was not an isonitrile antibiotic-producer. The compound has broad antibiotic activity against Oomycete, Ascomycete and Basidiomycete fungi, and both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. The significance of the induction of homothallin II is discussed.