A strain of Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul. isolated from Arthraxon lancifolius Hochst. was successfully adapted on rye. Experimental cultivation on rye showed 370 kg/ha yield of sclerotia containing 0.5% total alkaloid which consisted of 33% ergometrine, 17.6% ergotamine, 18.7% ergocornine and 22.7%