Endo-1,4-β-glucanase production by Stachybotrys elegans, a mycoparasite of Rhizoctonia solani

Abstract

The in vitro production of cellulases (endo-β-1,4-glucanases) by Stachybotrys elegans, a mycoparasite of the soilborne plant pathogen Rhizoctonia solani, was examined under various culture conditions such as carbon and nitrogen sources, pH, and growth period. Production of cellulases is strongly stimulated by the incorporation of cellulose into the medium, whereas it is repressed by the addition of glucose. Cellulase production is maximal at a pH 5.0 and in media containing NaNO₃ as nitrogen source. The results suggest that cellulases are induced and subjected to catabolite repression.

Key Words:

• catabolite repression
• cellulase
• hydrolytic enzymes