ISSN 2756-3707
International Journal of Histology and Cytology ISSN 2447-9535 Vol. 2 (7), pp. 225-228, July, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Short Communication
Saccharification of banana agro-waste by cellulolytic enzymes
M.M.V. Baig1*, M.L.B. Baig1, M.I.A. Baig2 and Majeda Yasmeen1
1Botany Research Laboratory & Plant Disease Clinic, Science College, Nanded 431605 India.
2Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani 431402, India.
*Correspondence author. E-mail: [email protected].
Accepted 22 March, 2014
Abstract
Banana is major cash crop of this region generating vast agricultural waste after harvest. The agro-waste including dried leaves and psuedostem after harvest was used as substrate for the release of sugars. Saccharification of banana agro waste by cellulases of Trichoderma lignorum was investigated. The steam treated agro-waste yielded 1.34 mg/ml of reducing sugars after 24 hr. The size of substrate affected saccharification where the smaller size (<120 µ) yield more sugars. Maximum sugars were released at pH 6.0 whereas 40°C was the optimum temperature. Thus, under these conditions the agro waste left behind for natural degradation can be utilized affectively to yield fermentable sugars which can be converted into other substances like alcohol.
Key words: Banana agrowaste, Trichoderma lignorum, cellulases, saccharification