Abstract: A ?-1,6-glucanase mutant which is a mutant of ?-1,6-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.75), wherein a Glu residue located at a position corresponding to Glu (E)-321 in SEQ ID NO: 1 is substituted by an amino acid residue X or a Glu (E) residue located at a position corresponding to each of Glu (E)-225 and Glu (E)-321 in SEQ ID NO: 1 is substituted by an amino acid residue X, wherein the amino acid residue (X) is selected from the group consisting of Gln (Q), Gly (G), Ala (A), Leu (L), Tyr (Y), Met (M), Ser (S), Asn (N), and His (H); and a method for measuring ?-1,6-glucan, including measuring ?-1,6-glucan bonded to the mutant.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for producing reduced cholesterol animal foodstuffs and products by feeding livestock and other food-producing animals with feed supplemented with microbial cultures containing hypocholesterolemic compounds produced by microorganisms comprising said microbial cultures. The invention provides low cholesterol poultry, eggs, meat, whole milk, and dairy products.

Abstract: A novel strain of Trichoderma harzianum called TSTh20-1 is described. TSTh20-1 is useful in promoting plant growth, increasing water use efficiency of plants and in remediation of soil or water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Trichoderma atroviride strains and their use as biological control agents or plant growth promoters. Methods and compositions for biological control of soil borne plant pathogens, and increasing plant yield using T. atroviride are also provided.

Abstract: A seed treated with a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination and a seed assembly comprising a seed and a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination. The fungal/bacterial antagonist combination comprises a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist for controlling plant pathogens as a biocontrol agent, bio-pesticide or bio-fungicide. In preferred embodiments, the invention produces an increase in plant yield. Control of early and late season stalk and root rot caused by fungi such as Fusarium, Phythium, Phytophthora and Penicillium in tomatoes, peppers, turf grass, soybeans, sunflower, wheat and corn is achieved.

Abstract: The invention concerns the application of compositions of micro-organisms in biological control of vine cryptogamic diseases. Said composition comprises a mixture of at least one bacterium and at least one yeast, the bacterium or bacteria and the yeast(s) being non-toxic for the plant. The invention also concerns bacterial and yeast strains, as well as biofungicide formulations containing an efficient amount of at least one composition of micro-organisms including in mixture at least one bacterium and one yeast, the bacterium or bacteria and the yeast(s) being non-toxic for the plant, and a composition of filamentous fungi, in particular of the genus Pichia, Pythium, Trichoderma, Gliocladium, Ampelomyces, Talaromyces, Epicococcum, combined with an inert carrier. The invention is useful for treating cryptogamic plant diseases, in particular crop plants and vine.

Abstract: A process for the production of organic and combination formulation of bio-pesticide containing Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens comprising preparation of mother culture, liquid fermentation as well as solid fermentation of T. harzianum, preparation of mother culture, liquid fermentation as well as solid fermentation of P. fluorescens separately, followed by mixing both the bio-pesticides in the proportion of 1-2: 1-2: preferably 1:1 to get the final combination, formulation.

Abstract: Fungal/bacterial antagonist combinations, a seed coated with one of the combinations and a plant protected from plant pathogens by one of the combinations. The invention is also a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination comprising a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) bacterial antagonist and its use for controlling plant pathogens as a biocontrol agent, bio-pesticide or bio-fungicide. The invention also finds utility as a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination applied to the seed, stalk or leaf that results in an increase in plant yield. Control of early and late season stalk and root rot caused by fungi such as Fusarium, Phythium, Phytophthora and Penicillium in tomatoes, peppers, turf grass, soybeans, sunflower, wheat and corn is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to efficiently produce a large amount of chlamydospores of Trichoderma harzianum SK-5-5 mycelia. This objective is achieved by chlamydospores characterized by having been obtained by inoculating a culture medium containing glucose, yeast extract and polypepton with Trichoderma harzianum SK-5-5 mycelia and culturing the same to thereby obtain chlamydospores containing conidiospores.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a growth media for mass multiplication of bio-control fungi, comprising a chopped, shade-dried distillation waste in a plastic bag that is plugged with cotton followed by autoclaving and an inoculation of a strain of bio-control fungi such as Trichoderma harzianum or Gliocladium virens, and incubating the bags at room temperature for 14-30 days, and then shade drying and grinding the product to obtain a fine powder.

Abstract: A strain of Trichoderma harzianum is obtained that is useful as a nematode inhibitor, fungicide and plant growth promoter. The strain has ATCC accession number PTA-3701. The strain is isolated by treating Trichoderma harzianum isolated from experimental fields of Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) Field Station with a mutagen such as ethyl methyl sulphonate, and isolating a whitish and fast growing strain of Trichoderma harzianum.

Abstract: An iron cyanide complex is biodegraded by growing a fungus selected from Fusarium solani, Trichoderma polysporum, Penicillium miczynski, Fusarium oxysporum, and Scytalidium thermophilum in a medium containing the iron cyanide complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme with .beta.-(1-6)-endoglucanase activity encoded by a DNA sequence, which DNA sequence a) comprises the DNA sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 3, or b) comprises an analogue of the DNA sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 3, which i) is homologous with the DNA sequences shown in or SEQ ID No. 3, and/or ii) hybridizes with the same oligonucleotide probe as the DNA sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 3, and/or iii) encodes a polypeptide which is homologous with the polypeptide encoded by a DNA sequence comprising the DNA sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 3, and/or iv) encodes a polypeptide which is immunologically reactive with an antibody raised against a purified .beta.-(1-6)-glucanase shown in SEQ ID No. 4 derived from Trichoderma harzianum, CBS 243.71.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel process for directly producing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine from chitin. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel process for producing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine utilizing an ensemble of the chitinase family of enzymes to hydrolyze chitin of crustacea shells. The invention includes a process for producing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine by enzymatically hydrolyzing chitin with an ensemble of chitinolytic enzymes, including chitinase and chitobiase. In particular, using a two-stage chitin-hydrolysis reactor.

Abstract: A method is described for the identification and cloning of promoters that express under a defined environmental condition, such as growth in glucose medium. Using this method, five Trichodermal promoters capable of the high expression of operably linked coding sequences are identified, one of which is the promoter for T. reesei tef1. Also provided are altered cbh1 promoters, altered so that glucose no longer represses expression from such promoter. The invention further provides vectors and hosts that utilize such promoters, and unique fungal enzyme compositions from such hosts.

Abstract: During the enzymatic "stone washing" of a denim fabric and/or garments, an undesirable redeposition of blue dye often occurs on the surfaces of the denim. The invention relates to a means of overcoming this problem using an enzyme composition comprised of Trichoderma endoglucanases and Trichoderma cellobiohydrolases that has been partially digested by a protease enzyme to separate its core and binding domains. The use of this composition reduces the redeposition of the blue dye and hence improves the stone washing process relative to using a redepositing or backstaining cellulase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme with .beta.-(1-6)-endoglucanase activity encoded by a DNA sequence, which DNA sequence a) comprises the DNA sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 3, or b) comprises an analogue of the DNA sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 3, which i) is homologous with the DNA sequences shown in or SEQ ID No. 3, and/or ii) hybridizes with the same oligonucleotide probe as the DNA sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 3, and/or iii) encodes a polypeptide which is homologous with the polypeptide encoded by a DNA sequence comprising the DNA sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 3, and/or iv) encodes a polypeptide which is immunologically reactive with an antibody raised against a purified .beta.-(1-6)-glucanase shown in SEQ ID No. 4 derived from Trichoderma harzianum, CBS 243.71.

Abstract: During the enzymatic "stone washing" of a denim fabric and/or garments, an undesirable redeposition of blue dye often occurs on the surfaces of the denim. The invention relates to a means of overcoming this problem using an enzyme composition comprised of Trichoderma endoglucanase and Trichoderma cellobiohydrolase that has been partially digested by a protease enzyme to separate its core and binding domains. The use of this composition reduces the redeposition of the blue dye and hence improves the stone washing process relative to using a redepositing or backstaining cellulase.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods for treating cotton-containing fabrics as well as the fabrics produced from these methods. In particular, the disclosed methods are directed to contacting cotton-containing fabrics with an aqueous solution containing a fungal cellulase composition which comprises CBH I type components and one or more EG type components wherein said cellulase composition has a protein weight ratio of CBH I type components to all EG type components of greater than 10:1. Cotton-containing fabrics so treated possess decreased strength loss as compared to fabrics treated with a complete cellulase composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods for treating cotton-containing fabrics and non-cotton containing cellulosic fabrics as well as the fabrics produced from these methods. In particular, the disclosed methods are directed to contacting cotton-containing fabrics and non-cotton containing cellulosic fabrics with a cellulase solution containing a fungal cellulase composition which is substantially free of all CBH I type cellulase components. Cotton-containing fabrics so treated possess decreased strength loss as compared to fabrics treated with a cellulase solution containing a complete cellulase composition.

Abstract: N-acetyl-.beta.-glucosaminidase isolated from Trichoderma harzianum strain P1 having accession No. ATCC 74058 has molecular mass of 72 kDa and isoelectric point of 4.6. Glucan 1,3-.beta.-glucosidase isolated from Trichoderma harzianum strain P1 has molecular mass of 78 kDa and isoelectric point of 6.2. Combinations of endochitinase, chitin 1,4-.beta.-chitobiosidase, N-acetyl-.beta.-glucosaminidase and glucan 1,3-.beta.-glucosidase have synergistic antifungal effect.

Abstract: A method for preparing an aqueous solution enriched in EG III from an aqueous mixture containing cellulase proteins, xylanase and EG III is disclosed. The method involves adding an amount of a low molecular weight alcohol selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol, propanol and mixtures thereof to the aqueous mixture containing cellulase proteins, xylanase and EG III and an organic salt under conditions wherein substantially all of the cellulase proteins other than EG III and xylanase are precipitated out of the aqueous mixture. The method then involves removing the precipitate from the aqueous mixture so as to recover an aqueous supernate enriched in EG III. Next, the method involves adding an amount of an inorganic salt to the supernate produced in step b) so as to form a second precipitate and a second supernate and then finally collecting the second supernate from the second precipitate to obtain a supernate enriched in EG III.

Abstract: A method of producing methane from organic waste includes the following steps: The waste is first shredded. The waste is inoculated first with aerobic microorganisms. The waste is then fermented with the aerobic microorganisms. Then the waste is inoculated with anaerobic microorganisms. The waste inoculated with anaerobic microorganisms is placed in an oxygen free environment. Methane is then evolved from the waste. Preferably the waste is enriched with nitrogen prior to the anaerobic fermentation.

Abstract: The fungus Trichoderma harzianum SK-55 provides broad antagonistic interaction against plant pathogenic diseases, and may be used to control fungal diseases in plants. A fungicidal composition contains Trichoderma harzianum SK-55 isolated from the soil. A method of manufacturing a fungicidal composition comprises introducing a large quantity of Trichoderma harzianum SK-55 into a culture medium, incubating it on the culture medium at a specific temperature range and at a specific humidity for a specific period of time, drying it at a specific low temperature range, and, if necessary, milling it into specific grain sizes. The fungicidal composition containing the incubated fungus may be distributed at the rate of 0.5 g to 5 g/m.sup.2.

Abstract: Methods and means for the construction of strains of yeast capable of producing cellulolytic enzymes, achieved by the transfer of chromosomal genes or cDNA copies of mRNAs coding for cellulolytic enzymes isolated from the fungus Trichoderma reesei to yeast cells using recombinant DNA vectors capable of replicating in yeast. The correct expression of these cellulolytic genes in yeast leads to the production of cellulolytic enzymes which are secreted from the cell. This allows the yeast to hydrolyze 3-1,4-glucan substrates such as cellulose.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for production of Trichoderma harzianum Rifa T77 deposited as CMI CC. No. 333646 on a commercial scale. The process involves loading receptacles with culture medium; sterilization of the medium in situ; inoculating the sterilized medium with spores of T77; incubating the inoculated for 21 days at 29 degrees centigrade; cooling; and packaging under ambient conditions.

Abstract: Methods for isolating EG III cellulase component and enriched EG III cellulase in polyethylene glycol are disclosed. The methods comprise adding an inorganic salt and polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of from about 5,000 to 10,000 to an aqueous mixture of cellulase proteins under conditions to create a two-phase system. Next, the cellulase proteins other than EG III are separated in an EG III-poor aqueous phase while EG III cellulase component is retained in an EG III-rich polyethylene glycol phase. Lastly, the EG III component can be separated from the polyethylene glycol. The preferred method of separation is alcohol precipitation.

Abstract: Disclosed are detergent compositions containing a cleaning effective amount of a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants and from about 0.01 to about 5 weight percent of substantially pure EG III cellulase. Preferably, the detergent composition contains no more than about 5 weight percent of CBH I type components based on the total weight of cellulase proteins. When employed in aqueous wash media, the detergent compositions impart color retention/restoration properties as well as improved softening and feel properties to cotton-containing fabrics.

Abstract: Fused strains of Trichoderma spp described herein are useful as biocontrol agents to protect seeds, especially when used in conjunction with solid matrix priming or osmoconditioning.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods for treating cotton-containing fabrics as well as the fabrics produced from these methods. In particular, the disclosed methods are directed to contacting cotton-containing fabrics with a cellulase solution containing a fungal cellulase composition which is substantially free of all CBH I type cellulase components. Cotton-containing fabrics so treated possess decreased strength loss as compared to fabrics treated with a cellulase solution containing a complete cellulase composition.

Abstract: Soilborne rhizosphere-incompetent biocontrol agents can be converted into rhizosphere-competent agents by exposing them to a mutagenic agent and then screening the exposed rhizosphere-incompetent agent for a strain showing increased cellulase production. The increased cellulase production characteristic serves to convert the originally rhizosphere-incompetent agent into one which is rhizosphere-competent. Seeds of plants to be protected against various diseases can then be treated with the rhizosphere-competent strain. The roots of the plant, as well as its original seed, are protected by biocontrol agents produced by the disclosed process.

Abstract: A rhizosphere-competent Trichoderma polysporum, (ATCC 20852) and a rhizosphere-competent Trichoderma viride (ATCC 20853) are described. They are respectively, mutants of rhizosphere-incompetent Trichoderma polysporum ATCC 20475 and rhizosphere-incompetent Trichoderma viride ATCC 20476. The rhixosphere-competent strains are particularly effective biocontrol agents for plant and/or tree diseases associated with various fungi e.g., Pythium spp., Sclerotium, spp., Rhizoctonia solani and basidiomycetes such as Chondrostereumm purpureum.

Abstract: An enzyme preparation is obtained containing a nuclease that is produced by a fungus such as Trichoderma, Aspergillus and Fusarium and which remains active even after heating at 100.degree. C. for 30 minutes. This enzyme preparation may be effectively used when it is necessary to decompose nucleic acids at elevated temperature over a prolonged period.

Abstract: A biologically degradable film is prepared consisting of a synthetic polymer and a biologically degradable polymer. The biologically degradable polymer is divided into small particles by means of enzymes produced by microbes in the form of spores, which enzymes split and release small molecules from the surface of the biopolymer particles. After achieving desired particle size, an emulsion is formed with vegetable oil and particles coated with enzyme protein become coated with vegetable oil, which at the same time interrupts the degradation of the biopolymer particles by the enzyme. The coated particles with the oil is separated from the suspension to remove small molecules after which the particles are redried and then pulverized. The final film is prepared in a film extruder in which the biopolymer is mixed with the synthetic polymer and possibly with other additives that are generally used in forming polymer films.

Abstract: A fungal biocontrol preparation for control or prevention of plant fungal diseases comprises sporulated fungal biomass, a carrier and acid. The carrier preferably is vermiculite. The biocontrol preparation is resistant to bacterial proliferation in storage and handling and is effective in controlling damping-off diseases caused by soilborne fungal pathogens.

Abstract: A feedstock containing a biomass such as lignocellulosic materials, e.g. forest biomass; agricultural residues; or manures, is pretreated and thereafter is fractionated into cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses. New mutants are disclosed which include Chaetomium cellulolyticum IAF-101 (NRRL 18756), Aspergillus sp. IAF-201 (NRRL 18758), Penicillum sp. IAF-603 (NRRL 18759), and Trichoderma reesei QMY-1. With these new mutants and also known fungi including Pleurotus sajor-caju and other Pleurotus spp. unfractionated predetermined biomass is converted into feed. The same treatment can also be applied to hemicelluloses, and cellullose. Cellulose can also be hydrolyzed by means of a cellulase-system prepared from cellulose and Tricoderma reesei to prepare glucose which can be converted to alcohol with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces spp. and Zymomonas mobilis. The residual microbial biomass of these microorganisms from alcohol fermentation broth is also used as feed.

Abstract: A carrier for immobilization of microorganisms is prepared by impregnating a fabric such as cotton gauze having a mesh size of 10-50 with 20-50% by weight of a vinyl monomer such as ethlene glycol methacrylate and polymerizing the monomer with ionizing radiation to form a polymer coating on the fabric. A microorganism such as Trichoderma reesei is grown in a liquid culture medium in contact with the polymer-coated fabric and the polymer-coated fabric is recovered containing growing cells of the microorganism. The polymer-coated fabric has high air permeability and permits good diffusion of liquid culture medium.

Abstract: A process for preparing a low-molecular weight chitosan which comprises adding chitosan to water containing a monobasic acid to prepare an intimate chitosan-water mixture and treating said mixture with cellulase.

Abstract: The invention deals with a process for the preparation of C.sub.5 to C.sub.10 aliphatic methyl ketones by the aerobic biotransformation of C.sub.6 to C.sub.11 fatty acids with spores of filamentous fungi of the genus Amastigomycota. The process is carried out in an inert organic solvent with a partition coefficient between water and octane superior to 4, advantageously in a C.sub.8 to C.sub.20 aliphatic hydrocarbon or a mixture of such hydrocarbons, containing at most 20% of water.The obtained methyl ketones may be used to strengthen taste or a flavoring agents.

Abstract: A process for producing enzyme cellulases by the fermentation of Trichoderma reesei in an aqueous nutrient medium containing assimilable sources of cellulose, nitrogen, phosphate, magnesium and iron in the presence of an oxygen containing atmosphere and a fermentation apparatus for the aerobic fermentation of microorganisms in a liquid medium at a pressure in excess of about 7 atmospheres. The method comprises fermenting the Trichoderma reesei at a temperature of between about 26.degree. C. and 31.degree. C. while maintaining the oxygen containing atmosphere at a pressure of about 1 atmosphere until the Trichoderma reesei enter the late stationary growth phase, thereafter, gradually and steadily increasing the pressure of the oxygen containing atmosphere until it is in excess of about 7 atmospheres and culturing the Trichoderma reesei at said increased pressure and at a temperature of between about 40.degree. C. and about 60.degree. C.

Abstract: Compost, e.g. hardwood bark, is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum and Fusarium, and/or diseases caused thereby by adding to the compost, desirably after peak heating has been achieved but before substantial recolonization of the compost by mesophilic microorganisms has occurred, one or more microorganisms antagonistic to the plant pathogen. Container media also is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens and/or diseases caused thereby by amending the media with the just-described prepared suppressive compost or, alternatively, by amending separately with the compost and with Trichoderma fungus and antagonistic bacterium separately or mixed together. Desirably, the inoculated antagonistic microorganisms comprise Trichoderma hamatum species A.T.C.C. No. 20765 or 20764, together with Xanthomonas maltophilia bacterium species A.T.C.C. No. 53199 or a Flavobacterium balustinum isolate 299, A.T.C.C. No. 53198 species, A.T.C.C. No. 53198.

Abstract: A process for producing fructose sweetened cereal products by enzymatically converting a portion of the cellulose fraction in a cereal comprising cereal; fiber to fructose using cellulase and glucose isomerase is claimed. The process may be carried out at moisture contents exceeding 25% (w/w) and moisture contents between about 40% to 80% are preferred.

Abstract: A method of producing Trichoderma conidia in submerged culture comprises first preparing an inoculant of a desired strain of Trichoderma. Then, the inoculum is placed in a sufficient volume of a suitable liquid medium. The medium is maintained under substantially constant illumination, agitation and aeration at a temperature from about 25.degree. C. to about 30.degree. C., and a pH from about 5.8 to about 7.0. The culture is grown from a sufficient period of time until the density of conidia is about 5.0.times.10.sup.8 per ml, and then the conidia so produced are harvested. A similar method is provided for the production of Trichoderma chlamydospores.

Abstract: This invention includes a process for producing and using increased quantities of extracellular glycoprotein (particularly cellulolytic) enzymes by permitting the enzyme-producing microbial strain to undergo a preliminary growth phase, preferably at about 37.degree. C., and then an enzyme-secretion phase. Also included is a specific microbial strain, RL-P37 of Trichoderma reesei, which grows well at 37.degree. C. and the cellulasic products thereof.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process of producing cellulolytic enzymes by fermentation with the Trichoderma reesei fungus.This process includes two steps:(a) a first step of subjecting to aerobian fermentation a culture medium comprising a strain of Trichoderma reesei, nutrition compounds and a small quantity of cellulose and sugar,(b) a second step of contining the aerobian fermentation by adding soluble sugar at a speed such that the sugar concentration in the fermentation zone remains under 0.3% by weight.The cellulolytic enzymes obtained are used in the enzymatic hydrolysis of a lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: The separation of xylanases from mixtures thereof with other hemicellulases, particulary cellulase produced by the culturing of hemicellulolytic microorganisms, particularly the fungus Trichoderma harzianum E58 and Trichoderma reesei by ultrafiltration through an ultrafiltration membrane having a low molecular weight cut-off point in the range of about 1,000 to 20,000 daltons to obtain a cellulase rich retentate and xylanase rich ultrafiltrate. The dilute xylanase rich filtrate from the ultrafiltration is concentrated and purified by adsorption and elution from an insoluble matrix, e.g. a cationic exchange resin. The xylanase obtained is suitable for use in the hydrolysis of hemicellulose for which it is selective, particularly in the presence of cellulose and the cellulase rich retentate is suitable for the hydrolysis of cellulose.

Abstract: Compost is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum and Fusarium, and/or diseases caused thereby by adding to the compost, desirably after peak heating has been achieved but before substantial recolonization of the compost by mesophilic microorganisms has occurred, one or more microorganisms antagonistic to the plant pathogen. Desirably the inoculated antagonistic microoganisms comprise Trichoderma hamatum species A.T.C.C. No. 20765 or 20764, together with a Pseudomonas maltophilia bacterium species A.T.C.C. No. 53199 or a Flavobacterium species, A.T.C.C. No. 53198.

Abstract: Cellulase may be prepared in good yield and at relatively low cost by culturing certain mutant strains of the genus Trichoderma, which exhibit increased inducibility of cellulase by L-sorbose, in medium wherein the carbon source comprises cellulose-containing material of plant origin, for example, bagasses, waste papers, rice plant hulls and straws or soybean wastes. Preferred mutant strains are exemplified by Trichoderma reesei PC-1-4, PC-3-7, X-30 and X-31.

Abstract: Meat is tenderized by adding thereto a proteolytic enzyme obtained by culing the microorganism, Trichoderma reesei strain MCG 80. The enzyme is an aspartic acid protease with proteolytic properties similar to the animal protease, Cathepsin D. The enzyme acts selectively upon the myofibrillar proteins of meat producing a desirable uniform texture. Culturing of the microorganism in a medium containing glucose and lactose results in high enzyme yield.

Abstract: A method of enhancing a fungus-lytic activity of .beta.-1,3-D-glucanase which comprises using said glucanase in the presence of one or more of the activators selected from the group consisting of sodium lauroylsarcosinate, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylenealkyl ether, benzalkonium chloride, ammonium chloride, chlorhexidine glucuronate, methylparaben, propylparaben, trypsin, Pronase.RTM. and Alcalase.RTM..A method of enhancing a fungus-lytic activity of .beta.-1,3-D-glucanase which comprises using two .beta.-1,3-D-glucanases of different origins is also provided.