Phytase Producing Fungi and Their Efficiency in Hydrolyzing Phytin-P Compounds

B K Yadva; J C Tarafdar; J Panwar; R S Yadav

doi:10.56093/aaz.v49i2.63944

Authors

B K Yadva Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur 342 003
J C Tarafdar Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur 342 003
J Panwar Biological Sciences Group, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani 333 031
R S Yadav Main Wheat Research Station, SDAU, Vijapur 382 870

https://doi.org/10.56093/aaz.v49i2.63944

Abstract

Five most efficient phytase producing fungi belonging to genus Aspergillus, Emericella,
Gliocladium, Penicillium and Trichoderma were isolated from arid and semi-arid soils and tested
for their efficiency in hydrolyzing phytin-P compounds. Penicilliul11 purpurogellul11 accumulated
more biomass closely followed by Trichoderma harzianum during the growth period. A strong
negative correlation (r = - 0.91, n = 20, P <0.01) was observed between development of
fungal mat and pH of the media. The extracellular phytase released by the organisms was
12.7 times more than their intracellular phytase. The extracellular phytase activity was more
in Emericella rugulosa, whereas intracellular phytase activity was more in Trichoderma harziallu11l.
Emericella rugulosa was found to be the most efficient in hydrolyzing phytin-P (98.82J..lgg-l).
The results indicated that Emericella rugulosa can be used as a biofertilizer under arid and
semi-arid environments for native P mobilization.
Key words: Fungi, efficiency, phytase, phytin-P, hydrolysis.