Screening Endophytic Fungi from Local Rice for Lignocellulolytic Enzyme Production

Lignocellulose is a complex molecule consisting of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose was difficult to degrade. Microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria have the ability to produce lignocellulolytic enzymes that can degrade lignocellulose. This study aimed to isolate and screen endophytic fungi isolates from local rice which have the ability to produce lignocellulolytic enzymes. Entophytic fungi were isolated from roots, stems, and leaves of local rice. Fungi was isolated on Potato dextrose Agar (PDA) media. Screening of endophytic fungi for lignocellulolytic enzyme production by Czapek Dox Agar (CDA) media which have been added with reamazol brilliant blue (RBB), chitin, carboxymotin cellulose, pectin and, lignin as much as 0.1% respectively. The presence of clear zones around endophytic fungi isolates is an indicator of the ability to produce chitin, cellulose, pectin, and lignin. Successfully isolated 16 endophytic fungi isolates from Pulu Mandoti Local rice. The 16 endophytic fungus isolates have the different ability in producing lignocellulosic enzymes (cellulose, chitin, lignin and pectin). There were 3 isolates that have the highest ability in producing cellulose, chitin, lignin and pectin enzymes. These results relevant to explore endophytic fungi and has potential in degrading agricultural waste and controlling pests and