An insight into the sequential changes in enzymatic activities during retting of jute (Corchorus spp. L.).

Aim: To study the dynamics of enzymes involved in biochemical process of jute (Corchorus spp.) retting with and without microbial retting consortium. Methodology: Two large scale retting trials were conducted with and without microbial retting consortium in triplicate. The retting water samples were collected every day at 24 hrs interval from both the trials. Polygalcturonase (PG), pectin lyase (PNL) and xylanase activities along with the pH were measured from the collected retting water samples following standard procedure. Fibre quality parameters were also studied from the resultant fibre obtained from both the retting trials. Results: There was a sharp decrease in pH of retting liquor by 1.35 units and that of pectin lyase activity by 97.9 Uml(-1) within 24 hrs of inoculation of microbial retting consortium. Thereafter, higher pectin lyase (123.1 Uml(-1)), polygalacturonase (3.56 Iuml(-1)) and xylanase (0.818 IUml(-1)) activities were recorded during middle stage of retting. The enzyme activities were lower and non-significant at last stage of retting (11-14 days). The completion of retting without microbial consortium took longer time due to lower enzymatic activities as compared to microbial consortium mediated retting. Interpretation: The PG, PNL and xylanase enzymes released by the microbial consortium during retting of jute helped in faster biodegradation of pectin and xylan compared to control retting. Hence, the pre retting treatment of jute with microbial consortium is suggested for quick retting.