A large number of microorganisms are capable of degrading cellulose, only a few of these
microorganisms produce significant quantities of enzymes capable of completely hydrolysing cellulose. Fungi
are the main cellulase-producing microorganisms. In this purposed study, seventeen fungal species belonging to
three genera i.e.
Trichoderm
,
Aspergillus
and
Penicillium
were isolated from different sources, screened and
compared for their ability to degrade cellulose. The plate screening assay recommended by International Union
of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) were used in the investigation. Cellulolytic fungi were evaluated after
7 days for the production of cellulolytic enzymes by staining with 1% Congo red. The diameter of clear zone on
fungal plates, gave an approximate indication of cellulase activities. Fungal species were grouped as high and
low celluloytic isolates on the basis of cellulase activity using Index of Relative Enzyme Activity (ICMC).
Fungal species i.e.
Trichoderm harzianum
,
Trichoderm viride
,
Trichoderm koningii
,
Aspergillus japonicus
,
Aspergillus nidulans ver. dentatus
Penicillium lanosum
,
Penicillium
expansum
and
Penicillium oxalicum
gave the highest cellulase activity. Whereas,
Aspergillus flavus
,
Aspergillus raperi
,
Aspergillus acculeatus
,
Aspergillus
tamarri
,
Aspergillus niger
,
Aspergillus terreus
,
Aspergillus nidulans,
Penicillium citrinum
and
Penicillium simplicissimum
showed least or no enzyme
activity.