[Objective] For preparing the biopesticide of Bacillus subtilis B579 with high spore concentration,the sporulation conditions were optimized.[Method] Two-step fermentation control strategy was used,in which,the first phase（0-10 h）was to improve cell growth,and the second phase（10-30 h）was to promote spore formation.Four factors including initial glucose concentration,fermentation pH,temperature（in the second phase）and shaking speed（in the second phase）were optimized using the methods of single factor test and orthogonal experiment.[Result] The initial glucose concentration showed a significant effect on sporulation.The optimal conditions for the spore formation of B.subtilis B579 were as follows：initial glucose concentration 5 g/L,fermentation pH 7.0,the temperature for the first phase 37 ℃,and the shaking speed for the first phase 180 r/min,the temperature for the second phase 40 ℃,and the shaking speed for the second phase 200 r/min;in addition,the first phase was 10 h and the second phase of fermentation was conducted for 30 h.Under such conditions,the spore concentration and spore formation rate could reach 9.43×108 CFU/ml and 90.99%,respectively,which represented 6.70-fold and 2.43-fold increase compared with those before optimization.[Conclusion] The spores concentration of biocontrol agent was improved using two-step control strategy,which provided the basis for biopesticide production in large scale.
