African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 3 (9), pp. 447-450, September, 2004           
ISSN 1684–5315 © 2004 Academic 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: mmvb@indiatimes.com.

Accepted 13 August, 2004

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.