Mycopathologia (1999) 146, 83-89

S. Pascual, P. Melgarejo and N. Magan (1999)
Production of the fungal biocontrol agent Epicoccum nigrum by solid substrate fermentation: effect of water activity on accumulation of compatible solutes
Mycopathologia 146 (2), 83-89
Abstract: Epicoccum nigrum conidia were produced by solid fermentation on wheat grains (cv. Rendeveaux and Brigadier) at different water activities (a_w).Conidial production was highest at high a_w(0.996) than at reduced a_w (0.98). However,conidial production at reduced a_w was improved when the a_w of the substrate was adjusted with a mixture of glycerol and water. Maximum levels of conidiation were 7-11 × 10⁶ conidia g^-1 grain. The a_w of the solid substrate affected the pattern of accumulation of compatible solutes in the conidia. Mannitol was the main polyol in all conidial types. However, the amounts of mannitol were higher in conidia produced at high a_w. At reduced a_wthe conidia of E. nigrum accumulated moreglycerol, which is more efficient in the osmorregulation proccess than mannitol. Arabitol accumulated in low amounts, specifically in conidia produced at the lower a_w, on cv. Rendeveaux but not on cv. Brigadier. Trehalose was detected in higher amounts in cv. Rendeveaux than in cv. Brigadier, and the amounts were higher in conidia produced at high a_w. A significant amount of endogenous solutes was detected in the washing liquid used for the separation of the conidia.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Susana Pascual, Paloma Melgarejo, Naresh Magan

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
rearing/culturing/mass production

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Epicoccum nigrum (antagonist)