Abstract: Trichosporonoides kounosuensis 7E-1 (FERM BP-6572) having taxonomical properties different from those of any known species belonging to the genus Trichosporonoides, and having the ability to efficiently produce a polyol such as erythritol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing erythritol comprising cultivating microorganisms, which produce erythritol, belonging to Trichosporonoides megachiliensis in a culture medium having a high saccharide concentration and then recovering the erythritol accumulated in the culture medium. According to the present invention, cultivation period for producing erythritol can be shortened remarkably, and saccharide-based erythritol yield is excellent. Moreover, a large amount of erythritol can be produced efficiently, without much cost, since the same effect can be confirmed in case of using a culture medium at high saccharide concentration.

Abstract: A method for producing erythritol comprising cultivating a strain of Trichosporonoides oedocephalis in a culture medium containing 20 to 50 w/v % of saccharides and then recovering the erythritol accumulated in the culture medium. A commercial large scale production of erythritol can be efficiently carried out by following this method.

Abstract: A mutant strain of Trichosporonoides oedocephalis whose saccharide-based erythritol yield, at a saccharide concentration of 30 w/v % or higher, but less than 60 w/v %, is higher than that in its parent strain and whose cell biomass cultured is less than that of its parent strain.