LAUSR

Different Pleurotus ostreatus and Flammulina velutipes species were compared relative to their ability to produce laccase in submerged fermentation of various lignocellulosic wastes. Fungi cultivation in identical culture conditions revealed wide differences among both species and strains of the same species. The laccase secretion ability of P. ostreatus strains was superior to F. velutipes strains. Maximum laccase production on cottonseed hull, corncob, and poplar wood was secreted by P. ostreatus CY 568, P. ostreatus CCEF 89, and P. ostreatus CY 568, respectively. The nature of lignocellulosic materials played an important role in determining the expression of laccase potential of fungi. The presence of cottonseed hull improved laccase activity and accelerated the rate of enzyme production. Maximum laccase production on cottonseed hull was nearly 1.29-fold and 1.53-fold higher than that on corncob and poplar wood, respectively. Laccase activity was detected in almost all tested strains on cottonseed hull on the first day, while only a few strains on poplar wood and corncob were detected on the first day. These findings will be helpful for selecting the appropriate strain in industrial applications and for optimization of integrated industrial laccase production.