Isolation and screening of lignocellulose degrading microorganisms

Large volume of agricultural residues is generated in India after every harvest season. They are mainly composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. These lignocellulosic materials are difficult to decompose because of their physical properties. Enhancing the microbial decomposition of these agricultural residues will manage the problem of its disposal and associated problems like burning and pollution. This study was aimed at isolating and screening of ligno-cellulolytic microorganisms from natural sources like forest litter, compost pit and agricultural wastes. Ten fungi and five bacteria were isolated in the form of pure colonies and screened for lignocellulosic activity using carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and PDA and NA medium supplemented with guaiacol and methylene blue. Six fungal isolates and four bacterial isolates showed cellulolytic ability where four fungal and four bacterial isolates showed lignolytic ability. Trichoderma sp.(DFO-10), Aspergillus sp. (DFO-8), Chaetomium sp. (DFO 4), bacterial isolates like DBO-3, DBO-4 and DBO-5 showed promising results and can be utilized as potential degraders.