Effect of cultural conditions on the growth and amylolytic enzyme production by rhizopus oryzae

Rhizopus oryzae achieved a peak amylase production within 6 days of culture for starch yeast extract (SYE) medium and 8 days for yeast extract (YE) medium through the 20 days period of incubation, Maximum amylase activity by the fungus occurred prior to maximum production of mycelial biomass both in the SYE and YE media. Production of amylase was not related to total mycelium produced but was directly related to the type of carbon source in the medium. Starch and glucose were the best carbon sources for amylase production whereas maximum mycelial biomass was recorded in the medium containing sucrose as the sole carbon source. The maximum mycelial biomass and amylase activity were recorded at 30°C and pH 6. The fungus as a prolific amylase producer could be of industrial use in some fermentation processes.