Biochemistry of postharvest spoilage of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) 2. Comparison of cellulolytic enzyme production in cultures and fungi-infected sweetpotato tubers

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the production in vitro and in vivo of cellulases by Botrydiplodia theobromae and Rhizopus oryzae. Isolates of these organisms were obtained from the postharvest decay of sweetpotato tubers.

Results revealed that B. theobromae and R. oryzae which were isolated from postharvest spoilage of sweetpotato tubers produced endo-β-1,4-glucanase and exo-V-1,4-glucanase in culture and in fungi-infected tissues of sweetpotato tubers. The optimum temperature and pH for cellulase synthesis and activity were 30⁰C and pH 6.5, respectively.