Degeneration phenomenon of alkaloid‐producing strains of Claviceps paspali

Passaging of Claviceps paspali alkaloid‐producing strains leads to degenerative morphological changes which seem to be responsible for a reduction of alkaloid production. It was shown that cultures of Claviceps paspali consist of two types of colonies on a PDA medium: small‐brown and large‐white ones, the first existing mainly in early passages and the latter appearing in successive passages. Apparently, the appearance of white colonies, which might be the result of a mutational process, is responsible for the loss of alkaloid production. The possibility of regeneration through selection of brown colonies is discussed.