Some Physiological Factors Influencing Lipid Production by Rhodotorula Glutinis from Egyptian Beet Molasses

The growth and lipid production by Rhodotorula glutinis cultivated on beet molasses (BM) containing medium were optimal at 8% BM level added at the beginning of the fermentation. Growth yields and lipid production were accelerated in presence of (NH4)2SO4 at 5 g/L. and NaH2PO4 (0.5 g/L.). Varying levels of K2SO4, ZnSO4, 7H2O and FeCI3 (one at a time) in the cultivation medium have almost no effect on the fermentation activities. Similarly, an exogenous supply of different concentrations of MgSO4.7H2O exerts non-significant effect. On the other hand, the supplementation of cornsteep liquor (5g/L.) and cotton seed oil (1%) to the medium permitted maximal yeast activities.