Cellulolytic enzymes associated with the fruit rots of Citrus sinensis caused by Aspergillus aculeatus and Botryodiplodia theobromae.

Botryodiplodia theobromae and Aspergillus aculeatus were inoculated in carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) medium and on filter papers. Hydrolysis of the CMC medium and degradation of the filter papers were observed, indicating the production of C1 and Cx cellulases by the two rot pathogens. The C1 and Cx enzymes were also detected in filtrates of rotted orange fruits obtained by infection with the two pathogens. The cellulases could not induce rot development on their own. However, when they were added to pectinases in an enzyme inoculum, the incubation period for inducing rot development was shorter, thus establishing a secondary role for the cellulases in the rot development. Optimum conditions for the action of the cellulases included a neutral pH and temperature ranging from 25 to 30 degrees C.