EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CARBOHYDRATES ON GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF POLYSACCHARIDASE BY LASIODIPLODIA THEOBROMAE PAT. ISOLATED FROM ROTTEN CASSAVA (MANIHOT ESCULENTA CRANTZ) ROOTS

摘要

Growth of Losiodiplodia theobromae isolated from rotten cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) roots in storage was grown on media supplemented with extracts from Cassava, Yam, Sweet Potato, Cocoyam and Irish Potato. All the formulated growth media supported luxuriant mycelia growth of the fungus. The best growth was observed on Cocoyam Dextrose Broth medium with the least growth recorded on media supplemented with extract from Yam tubers. Cellulase, amylase, polygalacturonase and pectin esterase enzymeactivities were detected in filtrate obtained from the broth. The significance of these enzymes in post harvest spoilage of cassava caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae are discussed.