Growth and Pigmentation of Epicoccum nigrum in Submerged Culture

Growth and pigmentation of Epicoccum nigrum was studied in submerged culture in various media. Red pigmentation of the mycelium and of fermentation broth was obtained only in a medium containing glucose and yeast autolysate. This pigmentation occurred at the time of maximal production of carotenoids. Observations on the submerged culture of this organism in flasks and in fermentors are described, and the details of a standardized procedure for the production of carotenoid pigments are given.