Variability in production of extracellular enzymes by different fungi isolated from rotten pear, peach and grape fruits

Fifteen fungal pathogens, viz. Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium expansum, Monilinia fructigena, Trichothecium roseum, Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus niger, Coprinus psychromorbidus, Alternaria alternaria, Phytophthora palmivora, Pythium sp., Fusarium solani, Alternaria sp., Monilinia sp., Guignardia bidwellii and Rhizopus stolonifer isolated from rotted fruits were evaluted for the production of different enzyme on solid culture media. All the isolates produced enzymes on the media used, 87.67% of the isolated fungi were found to produce amylases, 80.00% of the fungi produced lipases, 73.33% produced proteases, cellulases by 66.67% and pectinases by 60.00%. The array of enzymes produced differs between different fungi. Penicillium sp., Alternaria alternata, Rhizopus stolonifer and Alternaria sp. were found to produce all the tested enzymes on culture media. These pathogens are known to attack almost all the plants, fruits, vegetables and cause many diseases. The differences in the enzymatic production of different fungal pathogens represent their virulence and specificity in causing different fruit rot diseases.