Abstract:
group of fungi are capable of degrading cellulose which is a complex polysaccharide of
plants since they produce cellulase enzymes. The research on the isolation and determination
of substrate degrading fungi isolated from termite nests at the University of Embu soils is
important in learning the ecological significance of the various fungi in the decomposition
process. Comparison of the rate of substrate degradation (Starch, cellulose, casein, CMC,
lignin, tween twenty and chitin), various fungi aids in understanding the decomposition
process. To determine this, nest samples were collected from the study sites and taken to the
laboratory and various fungal isolation techniques were employed to obtain pure isolates using
soil extract agar. Eighteen isolates were obtained named with codes as Isolate 001 to isolate
018. Morphological identification including mycelium color, colony characteristics and
microscopic features were used when colonies were grown on various media (Malt extract, oat
meal agar, actinomycetes agar and SDA). Biochemical tests were done to differentiate between
the isolates ability to degrade various substrates and the optimum conditions required for
growth. Isolates 004,005,006,009,010,011,012,016 showed positive results in degradation of
various substrates. Therefore, the knowledge obtained in understanding the degradation
mechanisms and process of complex molecules (cellulose) by fungi can be applied in the
management of organic wastes from plants as well as utilization in industrial processes such as
production of bioethanol.
