Growth of Rhizopus Strains on Soybean and Their Protease Formation

Abstract

Twenty six Rhizopus isolates were tested for their growth in raw soybean and a possible link between raw soybean growth and extracellular enzyme production was sought. The degree of growth was found to be proportional to enzyme production, particularly proteases, pectinases and carbohydrases. The various isolates were also screened for neutral proteolytic activities in solid cultures using raw and steamed soybean and in submerged culture using nutrient supplemented soybean powder