Cellulolytic activity of storage fungi associated with soap-nut (Sapindus trifoliatus linn.) Seeds

Eight fungi were isolated from stored soap-nut seeds. These fungi were screened for ability to produce cellulolytic enzyme, and A. niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus and F. oxysporum were selected as cellulolytic fungi. Cellulase production by these fungi were measured and the effect of temperature and incubation days on cellulase production was determined The effect of P^H, incubation temperature, incubation time on enzyme activity was studied. Maximum production of enzyme cellulase was observed at 30°-40°C while A. fumigatus showed maximum enzymatic activity at 50°C. Maximum enzyme production was observed 8^th days after incubation. Fungi showed maximum enzyme activity within the range of P^H 4 – 5.