Pellets of Streptomyces griseus formed during submerged liquid culture were effectively dispersed in Tris/HCl buffer at 37 degrees C. However, inclusion of Tris/HCl in the culture medium did not lead to dispersed growth. In order to decrease the pellet formation in batch culture, a large inoculum of spores was required and dispersed growth was further favoured by culture at 37 degrees C. This method was also used to achieve dispersed culture of S. coelicolor A3(2). Autolytic enzyme activity was presumed to be responsible for fragmentation of pellets.