Studies on Pectolytic Enzymes of Molds

Two hundred and fifty strains of molds including plant pathogenic microorganisms were cultured on solid media, and the production of pectolytic enzymes was followed by the clarification of fruit juice. Forty-four of them were found to have the action of clarifying fruit juice.

Out of the said 44 strains, the following 7 strains, Coniothyrium diplodiella, Agaricus capentris, Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium citrinum, Sclerotinia libertiana, Carpenteles javanicus and Aspergillus niger, were choosen as producers of effective pectolytic enzymes, and C. diplodiella proved the most active of all in clarifying fruit juice and hydrolyzing pectin or pectic acid.