DIVERSITY OF PHYTASE PRODUCING NON-TOXIGENIC FUNGI ISOLATED FROM SOIL
A. Ahmad1*, A. A. Anjum1, M. Rabbani1, K. Ashraf2, M. Nawaz1, S. Sana1 and A. Asif3
1Department of Microbiology, 2Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore; 3Gomal College of Veterinary Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
*Corresponding Author’s Email: aliahmedvet@yahoo.com
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.
Key words: Soil, livestock farms, phytase, thin layer chromatography, morphological method and cost effective
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