Variability of requirements to fermentation media in Claviceps purpurea strains.

The alkaloid-synthesizing activity of the saprophytic Claviceps purpurea strains was variable. This fact was partly due to different requirements of the cultures to nutritional conditions. Not only single strains, but also formation of intra- and extracellular alkaloids differed in this respect. In case of extracellular alkaloids, the influence of medium was more expressive. A positive correlation between accumulation of cell polysaccharides and the level of intracellular alkaloids was evident. Constant or decreasing cell proteins were favourable for alkaloid formation.