Citrus Peel as Substrate for Pectinase Production by Aspergillus spp.

Production of different pectinolytic enzymes was attempted using four fungal isolates (Aspergillus foetidus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium sp) in submerged fermentation using citrus peel as substrate. The increased level on the production of pectinase was noticed when citrus peel was supplemented with additional carbon and nitrogen sources. Supplementation of sucrose and peptone at 1 per cent and 2 per cent respectively showed increased enzyme yield. The optimum pH and temperature for the production of pectinase (5.0/370C) were also assessed.