Abstract: Spores of a biocontrol fungus, Acremonium sp. ATCC 74368, have been found to function well as a biocontrol agent in a method for biocontrol of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).

Abstract: A process for biologically controlling the postharvest disease, grey-mold, in pome fruits using a strain of Acremonium breve having the identifying characteristics of NRRL 18307. The organism is isolated from apples leaves and is applied to the fruits in a aqeous suspension using conventional techniques. The organism of the invention maybe used in combination with other biocontrol agents to simultaneously control more than one postharvest disease affecting the fruit. Also disclosed is a biologically pure culture of Acremonium breve, NRRL 18307.

Abstract: A method for transforming Cephalosporium and other lower eukaryotes is disclosed. The method involves inserting a recombinant DNA cloning vector comprising a Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcriptional and translational activating sequence positioned for expression of hygromycin phosphotransferase into a host cell and then growing the host cell under selective conditions. The vectors optionally further comprise Cephalosporium ribosomal DNA and also sequences that allow for replication and selection in E. coli and Streptomyces.

Abstract: The provision of Cephalosporium acremonium resistant to the aminoglycoside G418 allows the use of this aminoglycoside as a marker to select aminogylcoside-resistant cells of Cephalosporium acremonium from non-resistant cells of Cephalosporium acremonium. Aminoglycoside resistance can be imparted by transformation of Cephalosporium acremonium with a suitable vector.

Abstract: Cellulase is produced by culturing a strain of genus Acremonium in a culture medium and isolating produced cellulase from the culture medium.

Abstract: A cell-free process for converting isopenicillin N, .delta.-(L-.alpha.-aminoadipyl)-L-cysteinyl-D-valine (hereinafter "LLD") and 6-substituted derivatives thereof to deacetoxycephalosporin C (DACPC) by the following reaction sequence: ##STR1## is disclosed. In addition to the starting material, the reaction system includes ATP and a fresh extract of Cephalosporium acremonium prepared and used in a manner to preserve the racemase agent or agents necessary for conversion of the isopenicillin N to penicillin N, a necessary intermediate step in the process.

Abstract: Isopenicillin derivatives having antimicrobial properties and a general formula of: ##STR1## where R, R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 are hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, or halogenated methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl radicals and R.sub.3 is ##STR2## are produced in a cell-free system using an extract from Cephalosporium acremonium. The starting materials for the synthesis consist of tripeptides composed of unsubstituted or .beta.-substituted D-valine, unsubstituted or substituted L cysteine, and L- .alpha.-aminoadipic acid or its analogues. Certain enzymes in the cell-free extract are inactivated so that conversion does not proceed past the isopenicillin stage.

Abstract: A cephalosporin antibiotic is produced from a precursor comprising the five membered thiazolidine ring and the .beta. lactam moiety characteristics of penicillins by contacting the precursor with a cell-free extract of Cephalosporium acremonium in the presence of ATP under conditions favoring high oxygen transfer. Preferably, an ATP regeneration system comprising a phosphate donor and a phosphotransferase enzyme is included in the reaction.