SUPPLEMENTATION WITH SKIM MILK ENHANCES THE CELLULOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF FUNGI

Addition of skim milk powder to Reese medium increased cellulolytic ac tivity of TI reesei. Exoglucanase (filter paper) activity increased by 6.6, 5.3 and 2.2 folds when estimated on 5,10 and 15th day respective ly in presence of skim milk (0.2%) as compared to its control without supplements. The endoglucanase (CMCase) activity improved in the same pattern. The xylanase activity increased by 2.3 fold when estimated on 5th day and maintained the improvement upto 10th day. The beta-glucos idase activity remained unaltered. The cellulolytic activities of a fe w other fungal cultures improved in the same manner in the presence of skim milk.