Abstract

ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATIONAND SCREENING OF EFFECTIVE CELLULASE PRODUCING FUNGAL STRAINS FROM AGRICULTURAL WASTE DUMPING AREA

R. Mangalanayaki* and S. Madhavan

ABSTRACT

The 10 different fungal strains were isolated from agricultural waste dumping area in an around Thanjavur District. The effective cellulase producing fungal strains were screen by using carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) plates. After incubation the culture plates were flooded either with 1% hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide or with 0.1% Congo red followed by 1 M NaCl. In both cases, it takes a minimum of 30 to 40 minutes to obtain the zone of hydrolysis after flooding, and the hydrolyzed area was measured. Among the 10 fungal strains the Trichoderma harzianum showed maximum zone of hydrolysis followed by Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum. These isolates were stored at 4°C and it will be used for further studies into the enzyme production and their ability to degrade cellulose.

Keywords: Cellulase, Trichoderma harzianum, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum and carboxymethylcellulose.