Southern Research Station

Title: Analysis of cellulase and polyphenol oxidase production by southern pine beetle associated fungi

Author: Valiev, Abduvali; Ogel, Zumrut B.; Klepzig, Dier D.

Date: 2009

Source: Symbiosis, Vol. 49: 37-42

Description: 

In this study, the production of extracellular enzymes by fungi associated with southern pine beetle was investigated for the first time. Cellulase and polyphenol oxidase production were analyzed for three beetle associated fungi. Only the mutualistic symbiont Entomocorticium sp. A was found to produce cellulases and polyphenol oxidase. In time course analyses of cellulase production in batch cultures, Entomocorticium sp. A showed maximum activity of 0.109 U/ml and 0.141 U/ml for total cellulase and endoglucanase activity respectively. Polyphenol oxidase production was simultaneous with fungal growth. Characterization of polyphenol oxidase by activity staining suggests that the enzyme is a tyrosinase/catechol oxidase. Enzyme assays in the presence of polyphenol oxidase inhibitors support the results of the activity staining.

Keywords: Ceratocystiopsis, Entomocorticium, Ophiostoma, cellulase, tyrosinase/catechol oxidase

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Citation

Valiev, Abduvali; Ogel, Zumrut B.; Klepzig, Dier D.  2009.  Analysis of cellulase and polyphenol oxidase production by southern pine beetle associated fungi.   Symbiosis, Vol. 49: 37-42.