Production of total ergot alkaloids by Claviceps fusiformis in solid state fermentation was 3.9 times higher compared to that in submerged fermentation. Production was equal in the case of Claviceps purpurea but the spectra of alkaloids were advantageous with the use of solid state fermentation. The data establish potential of solid state fermentation which was not explored earlier for producti...

Four species of Balansia (clavicipitaceous systemic grass pathogens) isolated from pastures where cattle showed signs of ergot toxicity were grown in culture. Balansia epichloë, one isolate of B. claviceps, B. henningsiana and two isolates of B. strangulans produced conidia in submerged culture during the first stage of a two-stage fermentation procedure. When tranferred to a glucose/sorbitol/i...

Isolates of Claviceps causing ergot on sorghum in India were analysed by AFLP analysis, and by analysis of DNA sequences of the EF-1alpha gene intron 4 and beta-tubulin gene intron 3 region. Of 89 isolates assayed from six states in India, four were determined to be C. sorghi, and the rest C. africana. A relatively low level of genetic diversity was observed within the Indian C. africana popula...

INTRODUCTION Ergot is a fungus, from family Clavicepitaceae, botanical name being Claviceps purpura. Secale Cor is made from the plant Rye infected by Claviceps. Rye is a grass that produced Rye was first cultivated rather late in human history, perhaps as recently as 2000 to 3000 years ago. It is still grown extensively in northern Europe and Asia. It lacks the proteins that make wheat suitabl...

Chlorsulfuron (CS) is a potent sulfonylurea herbicide inhibiting specifically acetohydroxyacid synthase which catalyzes the first step in the biosynthesis of branched-chain amino acids in plant cells, bacteria and yeast. The peptide portion of some ergot alkaloids contain inter alia branchedchain amino acids. The influence of CS on growth and alkaloid formation in Claviceps was studied. In an e...

Claviceps sorghi is a pathogen of Sorghum bicolor found only in India and Southeast Asia. The more widespread C. africana is predominant even in India; C. sorghi appears to be marginalized in its restricted range. A significant difference in invasiveness is the relative production of inoculum that spreads plant-to-plant. Claviceps sorghi produces few to no secondary conidia from macroconidia on...