Qualitative Estimation of Cellulase and Lignin Modifying Enzymes in Five Wild Fungal Species Collected From Northern West India

In the present paper five wild Pleurotus species namely P. floridanus Singer, P. pulmonarius (Fr.) Quél., P. sapidus Quél., P. cystidiosus O.K.Mill. and P. sajor-caju (Fr.) Sing., collected from different localities of North West India have been studied for the qualitative estimation of cellulose and lignin degradation enzymes through colorimetric assays. On the basis of the results obtained, the production of these enzymes started from the fifth day of mycelial growth on petriplate. Whereas, the lignin modifying enzymes were detected on the third day of mycelial growth. The degradation of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was observed with a yellow opaque layer formation around the colony in the concentric manner in case of cellulase enzymes detection. The enzymes responsible for the modification of lignin were observed with the formation of brown oxidation zones around the colonies. The findings clearly indicate that likewise other wood degrading fungi. These wild despite of occurring on different hosts contain the enzymes responsible for cellulose and lignin degradation.