Factors affecting growth and cellulose hydrolysis by the thermotolerant aspergillus nidulans from composts

The ability of Aspergillus nidulans (EIDAM) WINT to grow and sporulate at various temperatures and to degrade soluble and insoluble forms of cellulose were studied. A. nidulans was found to grow and sporulate best at 37°C in continuous light and alternating light‐darkness respectively. The fungus was able to cause losses in the dry weights of filter papers on incubation and made appreciable growth on CMC and hemicellulose. The culture filtrates contained cellulases which hydrolysed filter papers and CMC to reducing sugars, and were only able to produce these enzymes in the presence of cellulose or its derivatives in the growth medium. The CM‐cellulases had peak activity at pH 5.2 and at 50°C while optimal FP‐activity occurred at a pH of 5.5 and at 45°C. The participatory role of A. nidulans in composting is discussed.