Different DL-amino acids were studied as inducers of D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) and for their influence on the growth of Trigonopsis variabilis. DL-amino acids with non-polar side groups were found to be the best inducers of DAAO. Maximum increase in the growth of Trigonopsis variabilis (gram dry weight per liter culfure) was observed with DL-methionine (2.39 g/l) followed by DL-serine (2.22 g/l) and DL-alanine (2.21 g/l).