Cellulase and chitinase production by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense race 1 in submerged culture

Fusarium has the capability to produce hydrolytic enzymes that can be used in the food and alcohol industries to break down natural organic compounds. This work studied the ability of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 1 (FocR1) to produce cellulases and chitinases enzymes in submerged culture using different carbon sources. Five strains of FocR1 (CNRF-MIC17188, CNRF-MIC17189, CNRF-MIC17190, CNRF-MIC17191, and CNRF-MIC17192) were used in submerged culture for the degradation of three substrates [filter paper, newspaper, and chitin (Sigma®)], from where the radial growth rate (RGr) and the quantitative analysis of enzyme activities (FPase, CMCase and chitinase) were evaluated. The RGr of the five FocR1 strains oscillated in a range of 0.043 to 0.051 cm h-1. At 7 and 14 days, the five FocR1 strains produced cellulases and chitinases using the three substrates. Based on the statistical analysis, the strains CNRF-MIC17191 and CNRF-MIC17192 showed best results about enzymatic activities. The five strains of FocR1 can be exploited as a commercial source of cellulases and chitinases, as well as potential candidates for bioconverting complex C-sources for further utilization in industrial processes.