BIODEGRADATION OF OBECBE (TRIPLOCHITON-SCLEROXYLON) WOOD BY GLOEOPHYLUM SPP FOR SUGAR PRODUCTION

The degradation of a tropical non-durable Nigerian wood, obeche (Tripl ochiton scleroxylon), by brown rot fungi (Gloeophyllum sepiarium and G loeophyllum sp.) for sugar production was studied. Reducing sugar leve ls during biodegradation reached maximum levels of 40.0-46.0 mg per g of wood. Whilst milling of wood enhanced sugar accumulation, delignifi cation did not. Sugar levels increased with low rate agitations when c ompared to static conditions, while higher agitations caused reduction s. A temperature of 30 degrees C and pH 4-3 were essential for maximum sugar yield. Urea was the best nitrogen source among those tested. It is postulated that the Gloeophyllum sp isolates may be useful in co-c ulture fermentation of lignocellulosics. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevie r Science Limited.