The extreme xerophilic mould Xeromyces bisporus - Growth and competition at various water activities

►Xeromyces bisporus grew optimally at 0.84 aw, 30 °C. ►Chrysoporium xerophilum grew faster than C. inops, preferring ≥ 30 °C and ≥ 0.94 aw. ►Monascus eremophilus and C. inops grew slowly, max. 0.4 mm/day at 0.88 aw, 25 °C. ►X. bisporus was competitive against other xerophilic moulds at aw < 0.80. ►Rapid growth is the main mechanism of competition among xerophiles at low aw.