Abstract:
An isolate of Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. from peanut was found to produce
the enzymes endopolygalacturonase (endo-PG) and cellulase (Cxi both in culture
as well as in the inoculated peanut hypocotyl tissues. Endo-PG secretion was
more during the early stages of growth and pathogenesis. On the other hand
high cellulase activity was recorded during advanced stages of pathogenesis and
in old cultures. These enzymes were also secreted with cell wall material isolated
from the hypocotyl tissues as sole carbon source. The results are discussed as
proof of the role of these enzymes in the sclerotial root rot disease of peanuts.
