Effect of sodium chloride on the cellulolytic ability of some aspergilli.

The effect of sodium chloride on the cellulolytic ability of 16 species of Aspergillus isolated from salt-affected areas of Punjab, Pakistan was studied. Sodium chloride had, in general, an inhibitory effect on cellulolytic ability. However, A. ochraceus showed a marked increase in cellulolytic ability and A. oryzae, A. nidulans and A. sydowi showed a slight increase in cellulolytic ability at lower concentrations of NaCl. Aspergillus terreus was the most salt tolerant, showing the maximum cellulolytic ability at levels of NaCl tested. However, A. luchuensis was the most efficient cellulose decomposer in the absence of NaCl.