Abstract

Seventy fungal strains were isolated from soils collected from different parts of southern Kerala, India. The strains were screened for xylanase production using Czapek’s agar medium. On the basis of clearing zones formed, 34 fungal strains were selected and identified. Solid state and submerged fermentation were done to identify strains that could produce maximum amount of xylanase, as well as to identify those strains that could produce cellulase-free xylanase under these conditions. All strains produced cellulase along with xylanase in solid state fermentation, while 70% of the strains produced cellulase-free xylanase during submerged fermentation.

Key words:  Xylanase, Czapek’s agar, solid state fermentation, submerged fermentation