Decomposition of Tartrates by Some Common Fungi

Abstract
A study of 19 common fungi revealed that spp. of Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium were most active in decomposing Ca tartrate, K bitartrate, and tartaric acid in tryptone solns. The Alternaria, Hormo-dendrum, Rhizopus, and Neurospora spp. studied were relatively inactive. The "mycelial" and "conidial" types of 2 fungi showed some differences in ability to decompose tartrates, thus suggesting physiol. as well as morph. variation. The rates of decomposition of the 3 tartrate compounds by Aspergillus niger were detd. An initial lag period of 5 days was followed by rapid decomposition. The amt. of moisture necessary for crude Ca tartrate decomposition by A. niger and P. digitatum was found to be > 5%. Significant losses occurred at 10% and 25% moisture levels.

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