Evaluation of cellulase production by endophytic fungi isolated from young and mature leaves of medicinal plants using maize cob substrate
This research studied beneficial fungi living inside the leaves of medicinal plants (neem and aloe) to see if they could produce cellulase enzymes, which are used in many industries. Scientists isolated 11 different fungi from plant leaves and tested their ability to break down corn cobs (agricultural waste) to produce these useful enzymes. Two fungi species – G. candidum and C. stellimalicola – were found to be the best enzyme producers, suggesting they could be used commercially to make cellulase enzymes in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way.