Degradation of lignocellulosic material and humus formation by fungi.

Cellulase activity and degradation of cellulose and lignin in wheat straw and formation of humus during degradation by Aspergillus sp., Chaetomium globosum, Fusarium solani, Paecilomyces varioti, Penicillium chrysogenum and Trichoderma viride QM9414 were studied. C. globosum, F. solani, P. varioti and P. chrysogenum produced little or no cellulase when grown on cellulose powder. However, all produced cellulase (filter paper degrading activity) when grown on wheat straw. All the cultures degraded cellulose and lignin to some extent, but P. varioti was the most efficient in cellulose and lignin degradation. There was an increase in humus-like substances after inoculation with fungi.