[Comparative analysis of isoenzyme patterns of beta-1,4 endoglucanase in species of Saccobolus genus (Ascobolaceae-Pezizales)].

Growth and beta-1, 4 endoglucanase production of six species of Saccobolus were determined. Twenty nine strains of thirteen geographical isolates were tested, using culture medium with crystalline cellulose as carbon source. All species showed good growth and enzyme activity. A high intraspecific homogeneity was observed as there were no differences in the variables measured within the strains of each geographical isolate and the only difference was between the two isolates of S. infestans. Each species had a characteristic electromorph, showing a variable number of isozymes with a maximum of 11 for S. seudodepauperatus and a minimum of 7 for S. platensis. These results support the usage of isoenzymatic patterns of beta-1, 4 endoglucanase and physiological parameters for the identification of species of Saccobolus as an aid to traditional taxonomy. This methodology is an additional tool to traditional taxonomy, based only on morphological characters.