Morphological Characteristics and Enzymatic Activity of Some Fungal Isolates Collected in Hanoi

Abstract

Sixteen fungal isolates were isolated from 30 soil samples collected from dead termite colonies in Hanoi. Based on morphological characteristics such as colour, shape and dimension of colonies and spores, five representative isolates designated as M₁, M₆, M₉, M₁₃ and M₁₆  were selected. The filtrates obtained from culture media of these 5 isolates were tested for enzymatic activity of chitinase, protease and cellulase. The isolate M₁₆ exhibited the highest activity of chitinase. The ability of direct control of fungal spores again termites was also tested. The results showed that at a dose of 0.005 g spores/100 termites individuals of the 5 isolates could exterminate 100% termites after 4 days of treatment.