Abstract

I. B. Omamor, E. I Eziashi and A. A. Adekunle

The utilization of ten different carbon sources for growth by three Monascus species isolated from date palm fruits has been studied. Monascus purpureus utilized fructose very well when compared to Monascus ruber and an unknown Monascus species. The Monascus sp. appeared to utilize maltose better, while sucrose and lactose were utilized well by M. purpureus. M. ruber utilized galactose well, but starch, mannitol and glycerol were poorly utilized. M. purpureus utilized raffinose and starch very well. The Monascus sp. utilized starch well, but not when compared with M. purpureus. Out of the ten carbon sources studied, mannitol and glycerol were poorly utilized by the three Monascus spp. Starch, maltose and fructose were the best carbon sources utilized by the three Monascus species. M. purpureus exhibited better utilization of the ten studied carbon sources.