Evaluation of Trichoderma reesei as a compatible partner with some white rot fungi for potential bio-bleaching in paper industry

Trichoderma species a common filamentous fungi found in the environment and abundantly in soil, because of its antagonistic activity against plant pathogens allows its potential use as a biological control agent. The use of biological agents is becoming an increasingly important alternative to chemical agent in Pulping and Bleaching process of paper industry. Trichoderma reesei is known to produce xylanase which is an enzyme very important for brightening of paper in the pulp and paper industry. In the present study the compatibility of Trichoderma reesei with some ligninolytic white rot fungi has been evaluated to identify a potential compatible ligninolytic white rot fungi with Trichoderma reesei that can be utilized in practical application of co-culture in bio pulping and bio bleaching of pulp and paper industry. Results showed that the six ligninolytic white rot fungi were compatible with Trichoderma reesei proving its potential to be used as compatible fungal partners in co-culturing for efficient bio bleaching.