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S U M M A R YSolid media containing carboxymeth ylcellulose (CMC) were developed to detect C, cellulase-producing micro-organisms. Hydrolysis of CMC was seen as a clear zone around colonies after flooding plates with I % aqueous hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide. Tests with ten bacterial and four fungal species showed that the degree of substitution (DS) of the CMC affects both growth and enzyme production. Most of the organisms produced more C , cellulase on CMC with a DS of 0.9, but CMC with a DS of 0.4 was better for one fungus. A qualitative measure of cellulase production may be obtained by calculating the ratio of zone size to colony diameter. Solid media containing CMC provided a more rapid assay of C, cellulase production than a medium containing native cellulose.

An improved solid agar medium (MP medium) has been developed which allows detection of pectolytic activity in bacteria. Organisms tested exhibited a variety of regulatory controls governing pectate lyase synthesis. The medium contains mineral salts, pectin, and yeast extract. After growth of the organisms, the agar plate is flooded with a polysaccharide precipitant, and pectolytic activity is shown by clear zones around active colonies. High concentrations of phosphate are shown to be necessary for pectic enzyme formation on solid media. The medium has successfully been used to detect pectolytic organisms in soil, forest litter, and rotting vegetable samples.

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