Production of penicillic acid by Aspergillus sclerotiorum CGF

The production of penicillic acid by Aspergillus sclerotiorum CGF for the biocontrol of Phytophthora disease was investigated in submerged fermentation using media composed of different nutrients. Soluble starch was found to be the most effective substrate among the carbon sources used, and produced the highest penicillic acid concentration of 2.98 mg ml(-1). When organic nitrogen sources were used, pharmamedia, yeast extract, and polypeptone-S were found to be suitable organic nitrogen sources (2.46-2.71 mg ml(-1)). The production of penicillic acid was not detected in when inorganic nitrogen sources were used. Only Na2HPO4, among the metal ions and phosphate salts tested, increased the production of penicillic acid (approximately 20%). When A. sclerotiorum CGF was cultured in optimal medium 8.0% (w/v) soluble starch, 0.6% (w/v) yeast extract, and 0.3% (w/v) Na2HPO4], maximum penicillic acid concentration (approximately 9.40 mg ml(-1)) and cell mass (approximately 17.4 g l(-1)) were obtained after 12 days.