Cellulose Decomposition by Four Isolates of Pyricularia Oryzae

SUMMARY

Considerable variation occurred in the cellulolytic activities of various isolates of Pyrieularia oryzae. Reducing sugars accumulated in media containing filter paper and carboxymethyl cellulose. A direct relationship between the amount of reducing sugars and the percentage weight loss of filter paper was not observed. Greater breakdown of filter-paper cellulose occurred in the presence of potassium nitrate than in the presence of glycine or ammonium chloride and cellulolytic activity increased when the nitrogen level in the medium was raised. Glucose suppressed cellulolytic activity.