Cellulolytic Ability of the Scab Fungus, Venturia inaequalis

Cellulase and β-D-glucosidase activity have been identified in Venturia inaequalis, the causal agent of apple scab. Most of the activity of the enzymes was associated with the mycelium after homogenization. The activities were relatively weak in vitro compared to those of other plant pathogens. With a new screening technique, β-D-glucosidase hyperproducing mutants were obtained.