A Chemically Defined Medium for the Growth and Synthesis of Ergot Alkaloids by Species of Balansia

ABSTRACT

A chemically defined medium was developed for the growth of and ergot alkaloid synthesis by five species of Balansia (Clavicipitaceae). It was determined that the nitrogen required for growth was not strict, but NH₄Cl (2.4 g/l) produced good growth and favored total ergot alkaloid synthesis. The fungi required thiamine, nicotinic acid, and pyridoxine for growth. Incorporating DL-tryptophan into the medium did not increase growth, but did cause a 2–4-fold increase in the yield of total alkaloid produced by the species tested.

Key Words:

• Balansia species
• ergot alkaloids
• systemic grass parasites
• endophytes