Pectin lyase and pectate lyase from Debaryomyces nepalensis isolated from apple

Yeast isolates GSP 101, 102 and 103 capable of producing both pectin lyase and pectate lyase were isolated from rotten apple. Among this, isolate GSP 101 exhibited higher levels of pectin lyase and pectate lyase. Based on 26S rDNA Dl/D2 sequence analysis, the isolate was identified as Debaryomyces nepalensis (99.8% sequence identity). The isolate produced maximum 3.2 U mL -1 of pectin lyase and 2.3 U mL -1 of pectate lyase when grown in basal medium supplemented with pectin (5 g L -1). The presence of glucose in medium did not show any negative effect on production of pectic lyases suggesting that there is no catabolite repression. Among the tested naturally available pectic substances, lemon peel was best inducer and carbon source for the production of PL and PGL. This is the first report on production of pectin lyase and pectate lyase by Debaryomyces nepalensis. © 2010 Academic Journals Inc.