Rapid detection of myrosinase-producing fungi: A plate method based on opaque barium sulphate formation

• Main Authors: Sakorn P., Rakariyatham N., Niamsup H., Nongkunsarn P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0036176933&partnerID=40&md5=0c952f1d518dd627085bba7e57f3480f; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/handle/6653943832/5661
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

A simple and rapid technique to assess the capability of fungi to produce myrosinase is reported. This was carried out by growing the tested fungi in sinigrin-barium agar plates. Strains capable of producing myrosinase were indicated by an opaque barium sulphate zone forming underneath and/or surrounding their colonies. This simple test has been confirmed by determination of myrosinase activity in liquid culture. In positive isolates, enzyme acitivity was detected in cell-free extracts, not in culture filtrates. In the case of non-myrosinase-producing strains, no opaque zone was observed and the enzyme was not detected either in cell-free extracts or in culture filtrates.