Premium
Algorithm‐based design of novel synthetic media for Metarhizium anisopliae simulating its nutritional conditions in the environment
Author(s) -
Hutwimmer S.,
Wagner S.,
Affenzeller M.,
Burgstaller W.,
Strasser H.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2008.03764.x
Subject(s) - conidium , metarhizium anisopliae , virulence , biology , mycelium , spore , agar , fungus , germination , horticulture , botany , microbiology and biotechnology , food science , bacteria , biochemistry , genetics , gene
Aims: The objective of this study was to develop a novel synthetic growth medium for increased conidium production of the entompathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. The medium should simulate natural nutritional conditions. Methods and Results: Macro‐ and micronutrients were selected in concentrations found in insects or from sources which are believed to be advantageous for virulence. Medium development was guided by a problem‐oriented genetic algorithm (GA) implemented with ‘mutation’ and ‘recombination’ operators specific for this optimization problem. Following five optimization steps and a total of 181 medium variations, 19 synthetic media led to increased conidium production as compared with the standard Sabouraud dextrose agar medium: increases in conidia yields of up to 120% and a 17‐fold higher conidium production per square centimetre of mycelium were achieved. Rapid germination of conidia, conidial C : N ratio, as well as spore‐bound Pr1 protease production were monitored as proposed quality control markers for a virulent inoculum. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that our problem‐oriented GA is a powerful tool for the design of chemically defined cultivation media with special/enhanced properties for anamorphic fungi. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first study, which demonstrates the advantage of the use of a GA for the rapid design of solid synthetic media for maximum production of virulent conidia.