CULTURE CONDITIONS FOR JASMONIC ACID AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION BY BOTRYODIPLODIA-THEOBROMAE IN SUBMERGED FERMENTATION

Jasmonic acid (JA) is a plant growth regulator produced by Botryodiplo dia theobromae in submerged fermentation. Eight strains of B. theobrom ae isolated from Cuban orange waste peel were screened for JA producti on. Strain 2434 was selected for its higher JA production (914 mg/l) a nd productivity (91.4 mg/l day). Studies carried out at different temp eratures showed that the highest JA production (925 mg/l) was obtained at 30-32 degrees C. Although biomass production was enhanced under ag itation (up to 100 rpm), JA production was negatively affected when th e agitation was increased. Maximum JA production (900 mg/l) was obtain ed under non-agitated conditions. Studies concerning the effect of dif ferent carbon and nitrogen sources showed that fructose, glucose and s odium nitrate were the best sources for JA production. (C) 1998 Elsevi er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.