You have no items in your shopping cart.
ABSTRACT
In recent years, the effect of fruit waste is one of major concern contributing to global environmental burden. The increasing energy demands have focused worldwide attention on the utilization of renewable resources, particularly agricultural waste, mostly in the commercial preparation of industrially important pectinolytic enzymes. The aim of this study screen rotting banana wastes for pectinolytic fungi. Banana wastes (peels and stalk) were obtained from local markets (Agen, Ekosodin and Uselu markets) in Benin City, Edo State. Serial dilutions were done using sterile distilled water as diluent. Enumeration and isolation of fungi was carried out using potato dextrose agar. The pour plate method was employed and plates were incubated at 28±2oC for 3 – 5 days. Cultural and morphological characterization were performed for the identification of the fungal isolates. The screening of fungal isolates for pectinolytic activity was carried out on pectin screening agar. Inoculated plates were incubated at 28±2oC for 3 days and thereafter, flooded with potassium iodide-iodine solution for the detection of clearance zone representing pectinolytic activity.
