Production of ethanol from sugars in wood hydrolysate byFusarium oxysporum

Wood hydrolysate used for ethanol production by two strains ofFusarium oxysporum contained 2.3% (w/v) reducing sugars (xylose and glucose). Ethanol production at the optimum reducing sugar concentration of 54.8 g/l medium, at pH 5.5, and 30°C was 12.3 g/l and 11.7 g/l byF. oxysporum D-140 and NCIM-1072, respectively in shake flasks during 96 h fermentation. The maximum production of ethanol under optimum cultural conditions, and in the presence of yeast extract plus minerals, was 13.2 g/l medium byF. oxysporum D-140 over 108 h fermentation.