The link between the growth stage and the production stage in a two-stage batch process was investigated using (filtered) inocula from different periods of the stationary phase of the growth cycle. In the production stage, ajmalicine production by Catharanthus roseus in a 3-L stirred tank reactor was induced with a high glucose concentration (80 g/L). Ajmalicine production in cultures started with cells from the late stationary phase was five times higher than in cultures started with cells from the early stationary phase. After transfer to the production stage, cells from the early stationary phase showed a transient increase in respiration and enzyme induction, followed by culture browning. In contrast, cells in the late stationary phase showed a typical induction pattern : constant respiration, and permanent enzyme induction. A striking similarity between the geraniol-10-hydroxylase (G10H) activity and the ajmalicine accumulation profile could be observed in all cultures, suggesting that G10H regulated ajmalicine production in this investigation. The intracellular nitrate concentration was significantly higher in the inoculum showing a high ajmalicine production than in the inoculum with a low production. Consequently, nitrate may act as a marker for the start of the production stage : as soon as the nitrate is depleted in the growth medium secondary metabolism can be induced.