Qualitative assessment of hydrolytic activities in antarctic microfungi grown at different temperatures on solid media

Microfungi from Antarctica were grown at 10 degrees C, 21 degrees C, 28 degrees C and 37 degrees C on a series of plates each containing a single carbon source and designed to indicate the secretion of particular hydrolytic enzymes. Colony radius and hydrolytic activity were measured and a relative activity index (RA) established. In general, effective hydrolysis occurred at mesophilic temperatures. Some enzymes, especially of Trichoderma spp. and Penicillium spp. showed maximum activity at 10 degrees C, indicating adaptation to the colder temperatures of the antarctic environment.