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Published on: April 23, 2012
Bikaverin production by Fusarium species
J Chelkowski1, P Zajkowski, A Visconti
1Department of Plant Pathology, Warsaw Agricultural University, PL-02 766, Warsaw, Poland.
Mycotoxin Research
|April 23, 2013
Summary
Bikaverin production was studied in 130 Fusarium isolates. Nine species produced bikaverin, with highest yields on autoclaved rice, indicating its potential as a fungal metabolite.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Fusarium species are known for producing various secondary metabolites.
- Bikaverin is a pigment produced by some Fusarium species, influencing culture color.
- Understanding bikaverin production is important for fungal identification and potential applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the production of bikaverin across a wide range of Fusarium isolates.
- To identify Fusarium species capable of bikaverin synthesis.
- To determine optimal conditions for bikaverin yield.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 130 Fusarium isolates from 21 species for bikaverin production.
- Cultivation on autoclaved rice to maximize pigment yield.
- Spectrophotometric analysis and pH indicator properties assessment.
Main Results:
- Bikaverin production was confirmed in nine Fusarium species: F. verticillioides, F. sacchari var. subglutinans, F. proliferatum, F. anthophilum, F. oxysporum, F. dlamini, F. nygamai, F. napiforme, and F. solani.
- Highest bikaverin yield (up to 2.5g/kg dry culture) was achieved on autoclaved rice.
- Bikaverin exhibited pH-dependent color changes (red in acidic, violet-blue in alkaline solutions).
- 12 Fusarium species did not produce bikaverin.
Conclusions:
- Bikaverin production is species-specific within the Fusarium genus.
- Autoclaved rice is an effective medium for high-yield bikaverin production.
- The pigment's indicator properties were confirmed, but its metabolic role remains unknown.
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