Microbial Degradation of Coconut Waste Materials

Abstract

Retting of coconut husk yields coir fibre and coconut pith both of which are resistant to microbial attack. The former finds a place in commerce, while the disposal of the latter is a problem. Enrichment culture methodology using lignocellulose as source of carbon yielded a fungus identified as Poria ravanulae. The fungus could utilise coconut pith which is essentially a ligno cellulose complex, as source of carbon for its growth. The coconut P. ravanulae isolates were lignoclastic, its polyphenol oxidase was noninducible and could use a range of phenolic substrates for growth. Replacement culture techniques indicated the conversion of trihydric phloroglucinol to dihydric resorcinol.

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Citation

In: Proceedings, PLACROSYM II, UPASI, Ootacamund, 26-29 Jun. 1979. Edited by C. S. Venkataram and others 1980 p-93-98

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