African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 5 (12), pp. 1246-1249, 16 June 2006   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2006 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

The effect of different nutrient sources on biomass production of Lepiota procera in submerged liquid cultures

Jonathan Segun Gbolagade

Department of Biological Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island. Bayelsa State, Nigeria

*Corresponding authors E-mail: gbolyjoe@yahoo.com;

Accepted 15 May, 2006

The effect of various organic, inorganic and complex compounds on the biomass production (mycelial dry weight) of Lepiota procera, a Nigerian edible higher fungus was investigated. Among the seventeen carbon compounds tested, mannose enhanced the best biomass yield. This was followed in order by glucose, raffinose and fructose (P>0.01) while Myo-inositol, sucrose and dextrin were the least stimulatory. Of all the twenty-one nitrogen sources used, D-alanine was the most utilizable. Moderate biomass yield was also supported by yeast extract and peptone while the least biomass production was recorded with D-cysteine and sodium nitrate. The carbon/nitrogen ratio that sustained the best biomass yield was 4:1 while the least utilized ratios were 2:5 and 3:5 respectively. Magnesium and calcium were the best macronutrients. Likewise, trace elements (Mn and Zn) stimulated very good mycelial growth.

Key words: Biomass, Lepiota procera, nutrients, submerged culture.