ISSN: 0973-7510
E-ISSN: 2581-690X
The changes in the seed contents due to seed infestation with the common and dominant seed-borne fungi lead to deterioration of seed quality. The protein content and dry weight of the seeds of soybean were found to be greatly affected. The deterioration of soybean seeds rich in protein was correlated with extracellular production of protease by seed borne fungi. Five dominant fungi viz. Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger,
F. oxysporum, Penicillium digitatum were studied for protease synthesis. These fungi synthesized proteases in Czapek medium supplemented with soybean powder and casein hydrolysate separately. The fungi synthesized more enzymes in soybean powder supplemented medium over casein hydrolysate supplemented medium. The enzyme production was affected by the pH and temperature. The optimum pH was found to be in the range of 5.0 to 6.5 and 45°C to 50 °C was optimum temperature.
Proteases, Fungi, Soybean
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