Enzymatic Activities and Degradation Properties of Fungi Isolated from Decayed Quercus Variabilis

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the National Institute of Forest Science have isolated 63 species of fungi from decayed Quercus variabilis, with 31 species exhibiting both cellulase and laccase activities. The study aimed to investigate the microorganisms responsible for the decay of Quercus variabilis, with potential implications for reducing economic losses due to fungal decay. Phlebia acerina demonstrated the highest cellulase and laccase activities, while P. acerina and Emmia lacerata exhibited the highest weight loss percentages for 60 days.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers isolated 63 species of fungi from decayed Quercus variabilis, including 48 species of Ascomycota, 11 species of Basidiomycota, and 4 species of Mucoromycota.
  • 31 species of fungi exhibited both cellulase and laccase activities, with Phlebia acerina demonstrating the highest cellulase (5.1 IU/mL) and laccase (19.8 U/L) activities.
  • The study found that P. acerina and Emmia lacerata exhibited the highest weight loss percentages for 60 days, at 8.8% and 8.4%, respectively.
  • The research has potential implications for reducing economic losses due to fungal decay, offering information on wood-decaying fungi that can be used to mitigate the issue.
  • The study was funded by the National Institute of Forest Science and published in the Journal of Wood Science.

Statistics:

  • 63 species of fungi were isolated from decayed Quercus variabilis.
  • 31 species of fungi exhibited both cellulase and laccase activities.
  • Phlebia acerina demonstrated the highest cellulase (5.1 IU/mL) and laccase (19.8 U/L) activities among the fungal isolates.
  • P. acerina and Emmia lacerata exhibited the highest weight loss percentages for 60 days, at 8.8% and 8.4%, respectively.

Sources:

  • Enzymatic activities and degradation properties of fungi isolated from decayed Quercus variabilis. Journal of Wood Science, 2025, 71(1):1-13. (https://doi.org/10.1186/s10086-025-02225-w)
  • Researchers at National Institute of Forest Science Release New Data on Enzymes and Coenzymes (Enzymatic activities and degradation properties of fungi isolated from decayed Quercus variabilis). Life Science Weekly. October 21, 2025; p 5675.