DIVERSITY OF PHYTASE PRODUCING NON-TOXIGENIC FUNGI ISOLATED FROM SOIL Authors: A. Ahmad, A. A. Anjum, M. Rabbani, K. Ashraf, M. Nawaz, S. Sana, A. Asif Journal: Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences (JAPS) ISSN: 1018-7081 (Print), 2309-8694 (Online) Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Pages: 467-473 Year: 2018 DOI: NA URL: https://doi.org/NA Publisher: Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum Abstract:

In present study diversity of phytase producing fungi isolated from soil of livestock farms in 10 percent villages of Lahore district of Punjab was explored. A total of 260 fungal isolates were obtained by soil dilution technique from soil samples (n=29) and qualitatively screened for phytase production on plates of phytase screening medium. Twenty eight (n=28) isolates were positive for phytase production. Out of 28 phytase producing fungi,13 isolates were toxigenic as detected by thin layer chromatography. Out of 15 non-toxigenic fungi, selected isolates (n=12) were identified as Aspergillus niger (n=7) and Aspergillus flavus (n=5) by morphological method using macroscopic and microscopic characters. The native non-toxigenic phytase producing fungi can be used for cost effective enzyme production on industrial level.

Keywords: Soil, livestock farms, phytase, thin layer chromatography, morphological method and cost effective