Enzyme production by endophytes of Brucea javanica

Twenty-one endophytic isolates from Brucea javanica were tested for their ability to produce extracellular cellulase and extracellular and intracellular amylase, ligninase, pectinase and xylanase. The same fungi were tested for their ability to cause weight loss in wood blocks. All fungi produced amylase and cellulase, while only one sterile mycelium produced ligninase and no isolates produced pectinase. The enzyme tests indicate that most endophytes are degraders of the simpler sugars and cellulose available in recently dead leaves and possibly wood. Only one slow growing species of sterile mycelium however, appeared to be capable of degrading lignin that would be available in dead wood. No fungi appeared to be latent pathogens. A discussion of enzyme production in relation to possible roles of endophytes is provided.