Characterization and Production of MnP and LiP from White Rot Fungi of Plantation and Natural Forests of Arsi Forest Enterprise, Ethiopia

A study was carried out to screen the wood rot fungal isolates and quantify their ligninolytic enzymes. Fifty six fungal isolates obtained from natural and plantation forests of Arsi forest enterprise were screened for the presence of ligninolytic enzymes and then MnP and LiP enzymes of eleven isolates were quantified. Results obtained from qualitative ligninolytic screening and quantitative MnP and LiP determinations showed that the fungal isolates coded as 003-2G, 006-2G and 005-1G measured the highest colored zone diameter and colony diameter in agar plate screening test with tannic acid supplemented and the highest MnP and LiP activities in E. grandis sawdust in both submerged fermentation (SmF) and solid state fermentation (SSF). The isolates displayed their highest MnP and LiP activities on 8th day in SmF and on 12th day in SSF. Different supplementations into the standard media also resulted in higher MnP and LiP productions. The three WRF isolates were efficient delignifying fungi and production of their enzymes was effective on 12th day in SSF. This isolates could be used in biotreatement of sawdust for ethanol production.