The production of rhodotorulic acid, a siderophore synthesized by Rhodotorula strains, was improved with the objective of achieving the biocontrol of phytopathogenic moulds. Rhodotorulic acid increased up to 60% in the presence of urea as a nitrogen source, pH near to 8 and a C:N ratio of 8:1. The siderophore-containing spent medium showed in vitro antifungal activity against important plant pathogens including Botrytis cinerea, which causes grey mould on a wide variety of host plants including numerous commercial crops. The antifungal activity was related to siderophore concentration. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2001) 26, 226–229.
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Received 06 June 2000/ Accepted in revised form 28 January 2001
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Calvente, V., de Orellano, M., Sansone, G. et al. Effect of nitrogen source and pH on siderophore production by Rhodotorula strains and their application to biocontrol of phytopathogenic moulds. J Ind Microbiol Biotech 26, 226–229 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jim.7000117
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jim.7000117