Study on a new approach for screening of high cellulase producing fungi

Abstract

This study investigated a possibility to increase efficiency of screening for high cellulase producing fungi by focusing only on associated fungi instead of looking for fungi from unspecific habitats as conventional approach. 30 samples of wood associated mushroom were collected from Cat Tien national park and classified into 11 species. Of these, 9 species formed mycelium from spores and fruiting body tissues on water and potato agar. Eight out of 9 species produced cellulase in CMC based liquid medium, and two Pleurotus species showed the highest activities. The obtained results somehow supported the hypothesis that wood associated fungi are good source of cellulase producers. However, more samples of mushroom and fungi from this habitat type should be examined for more reliable information.