Toxins of the entomophagous fungus Beauveria bassiana: II. Effect of nitrogen sources on formation of the toxic protease in submerged culture

Abstract

A series of 24 nitrogen sources including inorganic, organic nonprotein, proteins and complex natural media were examined to determine their stimulatory effects on the production of a toxic proteolytic complex in Beauveria bassiana in submerged cultures. It was found that this effect is enhanced by the sources in the order presented. The best sources are maize meal, yeast extract, and beef extract. The production optimum on these sources occurs on the third day of fermentation. The composition of the protease complex may be influenced by the type of nitrogen source.