Qualitative assessment of hydrolytic activities in antarctic microfungi grown at different temperatures on solid media

Microfungi from Antarctica were grown at 10 degrees C, 21 degrees C, 28 deg rees C and 37 degrees C on a series of plates each containing a single carb on source and designed to indicate the secretion of particular hydrolytic e nzymes. Colony radius and hydrolytic activity were measured and a relative activity index (RA) established. In general, effective hydrolysis occurred at mesophilic temperatures. Some enzymes, especially of Trichoderma spp. an d Penicillium spp. showed maximum activity at 10 degrees C, indicating adap tation to the colder temperatures of the antarctic environment.