Decomposition of Lignin and Holocellulose of Pinus roxburghii Sar. (Pinaceae) Needle Leaves, Twigs and Barks by Fungal Isolates from Virgin Forest Ecosystem of Doddabetta belt of Nilgiris

ABSTRACT

Decomposition of lignin and holocellulose study was conducted in Pinus roxburghii Sar. (Pinaceae) needle leaves, twigs and barks from the virgin forest ecosystem of Doddabetta belt of Nilgiris during monsoon periods June to November 2014. Four lignin and holocellulose degrading fungi which were dominating the P. roxburghii forest ecosystem were identified, viz., Amanita muscaria, Coprinus micaceus, Cortinarius collinitus and Tricholoma album. The spores collected from the fruit bodies / the mycelia from the degrading material were inoculated individually to the experimental needle leaves, twigs and barks to analyse the decomposition potentials of lignin and holocellulose. The percentage of degradation of lignin, holocellulose and hot water soluble content varied with the samples and as well as the fungal isolates. However the degradation is a long process which certainly adds nutrients to the virgin forest ecosystem.

Keywords:  Decomposition, Holocellulose, Lignin, Pinus roxburghii

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