Lignocellulolytic Activity of Soil Fungi Isolated from Different Organic Farming Sites

The lignocellullolytic activity of soil fungi isolated from different organic farming site at Ibere, Ikwuano local government area of Abia state, south east Nigeria was studied. Samples of soil numbering 100 were collected from four different farming sites and analyzed using the pour plate technique and tannic acid/carboxyl methyl cellulose test for lignocellulolytic enzyme production. While the enzymes activity assay was carried out in submerged fermentation using mixed chopped Maize husk and Yam peel as substrates. From the soil sampling, Twenty eight (28) Fungal species belonging to the Genera; penicillium Aspergillius Rhizopus Mucor Paraconiothyrium Trichoderma Fusarium and Curvularia were isolated. Out of the 28 isolates, 4 isolates (Penicillium, Aspergillius, Rhizopus and Paraconiothyrium species) were positive for lignocellulolytic enzyme activity based on their ability to degrade lignocellulose substrates. The effect of various conditions on enzyme activity showed that the highest activity was recorded at the 5th day of incubation, at temperature ranges of 25oC to 45oC and pH ranges of between 5 to 9. The molecular identification of the isolates were carried out using PCR and 16S rRNA. Sequencing and the isolates were identified as Aspergillus niger, Penicilliium rolfsii, Rhizopus oryzae and Paraconiothyrium brasilliense. Therefore, the lignocelluloltic fungi isolated, could serve as useful source of commercial production of lignocellulolytic enzyme and also be applied to the soil to degrade organic residue, thereby improving the soil fertility and agricultural waste management in the environment.