Chitinase production from a native isolate of Beauveria bassiana

Biological control is a suitable substitute technique for chemical battle with pests. Enthomopathogenic fungus Beauveria spp. attacks its target host by penetrating into cuticle through secretion of hydrolytic enzymes such as chitinases. Chitinases are capable of hydrolyzing chitins with many other applications in biocontrol, sea bioremediation, and development of biopesticides, pharmaceuticals. In this research, chitinase enzyme activities from Beauveria bassiana fungus, cultured in 3 culture media, were measured through a colorimetric assay. A native isolate with high mortality rate isolated and identified from Minoodasht. The highest chitinase activity was achieved at day 3 when incubated at 50 ˚C in Pontecorvo medium containing 0.75% colloidal chitin (pH = 7). Our results might be useful for higher production of chitinase that can be implemented in biological control and further elevate human health and environmental biosafety.