Nutritional Requirements for the Improvement of Growth and Sporulation of Several Strains ofMonascus purpureuson Solid State Cultivation

Abstract

This paper describes the nutritional requirements for the improvement of growth and sporulation of several strains ofMonascus purpureuson solid state cultivation. The findings revealed that glucose enhanced growth of allM. purpureusstrains tested but inhibited the sporulation rate. On the other hand, sucrose induced sporulation but inhibited production of cell mass. A combination of glucose and sucrose greatly enhanced sporulation and cell mass production ofM. purpureus. Although growth and sporulation rate were related to the ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C/N ratio), the types and concentrations of carbon and nitrogen sources also greatly influenced the growth kinetics. Among the media tested, Hiroi-PDA medium was the most preferred medium for allM. purpureusstrains tested for the enhancement of radial growth rate, sporulation, and cell production. Hence, Hiroi-PDA could be suggested as the generic basal medium for the cultivation ofM. purpureus. However, individual medium optimization is required for significant enhancement in growth and sporulation of each strain ofM. purpureus.