Screening Fungi Isolated from Woody Compost for Lignin-Degrading Potential

Abstract

Thirty-four fungi isolated from woody compost were screened for lignin-degrading ability using a kraft pine lignin medium, and for the production of extracellular phenoloxidases associated with lignin degradation using gallic acid agar, tannic acid agar, and syringaldazine tests. Nine isolates tested gave positive results in all four assessments, with an additional five showing positive results on three tests. Twelve isolates modified kraft pine lignin, eleven of which also tested positive for laccase using syringaldazine as the substrate. From these results it is concluded fungi with lignin-degradative potential are common in and easily isolated from woody compost. The ten isolates positive on gallic and/or tannic acid agars, but negative on lignin agar and syringaldazine, may be involved in humus formation.