Comparative evaluation of cellulase activity in Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma reesei

Cellulase activity of two promising species of Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma reesei were assessed for agro-industrially important cellulase (E.C.3.2.1.4) production. Both species were used for media optimization studies and effect of pH, temperatures and incubation periods on cellulase activity. The maximum cellulase activity was found to be 1.76 U/ml (EXG) in T. reesei at pH 4 in comparison with T. harzianum with a maximum of 0.76 U/ml (EXG). The optimum temperature for increased cellulase activity was 35°C in T. reesei and incubation period of 112h was found ideal for increased cellulase activity in T. harzianum and T. reesei. Similarly, with 1% sucrose (w/v), maximum cellulase activity was achieved in T. reesei was 0.76 U/ml (EXG,EG). 1% yeast (w/v) was found most suitable nitrogen source for increased cellulase activity in T. reesei, that is, 1.96 U/ml (EXG) in comparison with T. harzianum where it was found to be maximum (1.29 U/ml (EG)). The potential of these lignocellulytic fungi for industrial cellulase production was tested through cellulase activity assay. Key words: Cellulase, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma reesei, enzyme activity.