Detection of ligninolytic capability of isolated fungi from decayed root and stem of oil palm tree

Abstract

Abstract Lignin is difficult to be decomposed due to its extensive polymerization carbon chain. Previous studies have discovered that ligninolytic enzymes effectively degrade lignin waste. Numerous microorganism such as white rot fungi which belong to basidiomycetes have been taken into account to accelerate the decomposition process of lignin. The aim of this study is to detect the capability of the fungi which were isolated from decayed root and stem of oil palm tree. Qualitative test using guaiacol 0.02 % and quantitative test using agar with supplemented tannic acid test were carried out to observe the ligninolytic capability and potency index of fungal isolates. Out of ten isolates, AKS 5 and PLP 3 were found to be positive strains and grouped to basidiomycetes division. The potency index revealed was higher in AKS 5. Successful of this study could be used as baseline information of potential fungi which are able to degrade lignin waste in the environment.