In a belowground multitrophic interaction, Trichoderma harzianum induces maize root herbivore tolerance against Phyllophaga vetula.

Background: Trichoderma spp. are soil fungi that interact with plant roots and associated biota such as other microorganisms and soil fauna. However, information about their interactions with root-feeding insects is limited.

Optimization of production of xylanases with low cellulases in Fusarium solani by means of a solid state fermentation using statistical experimental design.

Demand for fungal xylanases in industrial biotechnological processes shows a clear increase worldwide, so there is an interest in adjusting the conditions of microbial xylanases production. In this study, the ability of the fungus Fusarium solani to produce extracellular xylanases with low cellulolytic activity was optimized by Box Wilson design. The best culture conditions were determined to obtain a crude enzyme preparation with significant xylanolytic activity and little cellulolytic activity.

Selection and molecular identification of fungal isolates that produce xylanolytic enzymes.

Xylan is a heteropolysaccharide and its complete hydrolysis involves a complex set of xylanolytic enzymes. Fungal xylanases have been widely used in the holocellulose industry to obtain by-products or for its elimination. The aim of this study was to select and identify filamentous fungi from different ecosystems that produce extracellular xylanases showing biotechnological potential.