MRI: Isolation and Characterization of Anaerobic Zoosporic Fungi from Natural Environments

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It is now well established that zoospore-producing fungi that are able to weaken fiber and disrupt lignified tissues of forage are an integral part of the anaerobic microbial population of the rumen of herbivores. These fungi produce cellulases, xylanases and other enzymes that break down the complex polymers of plant cell wall material. To date, isolations of anaerobic zoosporic fungi have been limited to rumen fluid and feces. However, there is ample evidence to suggest that these fungi are able to survive and grow outside the host animal. The objective of this project is to isolate, examine and characterize zoosporic fungi from natural anaerobic environments such as ponds, marshes and landfills. %%% Results from this project would be used to set up experiments to determine the possible role of these fungi in the degradation of naturally-occurring recalcitrant fibrous material.