Origin of sclerotia-like cells in submerged Claviceps purpurea producing clavine alkaloids.

Ultrathin sectioning of submerged mycelium of Claviceps purpurea Tul. producing clavine alkaloids revealed yeast-like budding resulting in asexual spores-blastospores. These deciduous spores were born by extended hyphal cells and retained the same ultrastructure of cell organelles. Both the extended hyphae and the blastospores resembled the cells of ergot sclerotial tissue. A surface culture of C. purpurea Tul. producing no alkaloids was used as a reference.