Abstract
The aim of this study was isolation and molecular identification of laccase-producing saprophytic/phytopathogen Basidiomycetes species from different geographic regions with dominant vegetation of <em>Pinus</em>, <em>Abies</em>, and <em>Quercus</em> spp. in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. Soil samples and visible mycelial aggregates were collected for fungal isolations. Soil samples were processed using a soil particle washing technique, where a selective Ascomycetes inhibitor and guaiacol, as an indicator of saprophytic Basidiomycetes growth, were used. Most of the isolates were obtained from samples collected in Parque Nacional, José Ma. Morelos (Km 23), Charo, Michoacán, Mexico. Based on sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS1-5.8S-ITS4) with respect to reference taxa, identification of saprophytic/phytopathogen Basidiomycetes species was carried out. In total, 15 isolates from 12 genera (i.e., <em>Bjerkandera</em>, <em>Coriolopsis</em>, <em>Ganoderma</em>, <em>Hexagonia</em>, <em>Irpex</em>, <em>Limonomyces</em>, <em>Psathyrella</em>, <em>Peniophora</em>, <em>Phlebia</em>, <em>Phlebiopsis</em>, <em>Trametes</em>, and <em>Trichaptum</em>) and one species from family Corticiaceae were identified. This study will be useful for further investigations on biodiversity of soil Basidiomycetes in different ecosystems. At present, these isolates are being used in our various lab experiments and can be useful in different industrial and bioremediation applications.
Highlights
In forest ecosystems, various combinations of vegetation cover consistently produce huge amounts of organic matter playing a dominant role in soil structure and fertility
Exploring novel laccases with different substrate specificities and enhanced stabilities is desirable for industrial applications, besides developing an effective and economic production medium with high yields to enhance their utility [3]
This study has been carried out to identify potential laccase-producing saprophytic Basidiomycetes from soil samples to use in industrial processes
Summary
In forest ecosystems, various combinations of vegetation cover consistently produce huge amounts of organic matter playing a dominant role in soil structure and fertility. A very large number of microorganisms are involved in litter decomposition under different environmental conditions. Saprophytic Basidiomycetes are important and dominant recyclers of plant wastes in soil. This fungal group is the main producer of lignin-degrading enzymes such as manganese peroxidase and laccase [1]. Mukhtar et al / Laccase producing saprophytic higher fungi in soil laccases are of great interest due to their higher redox potential for lignin and polyphenol degradation, potential use in many industrial applications in paper, textile, food, and pharmaceutical sectors, and in the degradation of aromatic pollutants causing environmental problems [2]. There is a need to find new laccase producers from different geographic and environmental conditions
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