Effect of several thermotolerant Taifanglania species on straw degradation

Abstract:

[Objective] The objectives were to characterize growth temperature of six Taifanglania strains and to determine the effect on straw degradation. [Methods] Temperature-growth of six Taifanglania strains was monitored by colony diameters at different temperatures. The aniline blue method and guaiacol method combined with degradation of calcium lignosulfonate were used to test their lignin-degrading capability. Hydrolysis spot diameter measurement method of CMC-Na and extracellular enzyme activity were employed to conjecture cellulose-degrading capability of strains. Then the effect on straw degradation was obtained through weight loss method and Van-Soest detergent. [Results] The tested thermotolerant fungi, Taifanglania spp. could grow at high temperature of 50 °C and produce cellulase. However, the lignin-degrading enzymes produced by different Taifanglania strains had some diversities. They were straw-degrading fungi, and T. hechuanensis H08.1 had higher capability than others, followed by T. cinerea H57.1, with straw degradation rates of 50.2% and 42.2%, respectively. [Conclusion] T. hechuanensis H08.1 and T. cinerea H57.1 exhibited tremendous potential for straw degradation.