Compositions of the current invention are directed toward inhibiting thegrowth of microorganisms, particularly fungi. The compositions consist ofchemically-synthesized antibiotics comprising certain amino acids. Methods ofidentifying particular antibiotic compositions from libraries of suchcompositions are disclosed. In addition, methods for preventing microbialgrowth in plants and animals are disclosed. Methods and compositions are alsodisclosed which relate to synergistic combinations of inhibitory peptides withother antimicrobial compounds.
