Characterization of Some Claviceps Strains Derived from Regenerated Protoplasts

Three ergoline alkaloids producing Claviceps strains easily formed protoplasts when treated with snail digestive extract ex Helix pomatia. Colonies obtained after regeneration of protoplasts were monitored for alkaloid production. Among the regenerated progeny strains could be isolated which differ considerably in the quantity of ergolines and the composition of the alkaloid mixture compared with parental strains. Protoplast-derived strains were stable in morphology and alkaloid production for more than four years if the propagation was performed with hyphal fragments. Activities of some alkaloid-specific enzymes e.g. oxygenases and ergotamine syntheta­se were studied in various related strains.