A total of 116 strains of Brazilian tropical rainforest basidiomycetes were
evaluated in terms of their ability to oxidize the dye rhemazol brilliant
blue R (RBBR) and guaiacol. Laccase and peroxidase activities were detected
by the drop test using solutions of a-naphthol and pyrogallol, respectivel
y. RBBR and guaiacol oxidation occurred in 96.6 and 87.1% of the strains te
sted, respectively. One hundred strains oxidized both substrates. In the dr
op test, most strains presented laccase (96.6%) and peroxidase (92.2%) acti
vity. The quick screening method used here can be useful to identify lignin
olytic fungal strains to be used in various biotechnological applications.