The fungi of wheat straw compost: II. Biochemical and physiological studies

Wheat straw compost was analysed biochemically for the ethanol and diastase soluble fractions, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, soluble and total nitrogen. The fungi isolated from the compost were grown at a number of different temperatures to find their optimum growth range. Their ability to utilize a variety of carbohydrates was studied at a temperature (45, 35 or 25°C) within this range. The ability of the fungi to utilize various carbon sources is discussed in relation to the results of the biochemical analyses.

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