This manuscript describes the analysis of the effect of cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose
(CMC), xylan, and xylose as inducers of cellulase and xylanase activity production by Ganoderma
applanatum MR-56 and the optimization of their production in liquid cultures by statistical
methods. The PlacketteBurman screening design was applied to identify the most
significant inducers of xylanase and cellulase activities production by G. applanatum MR-56.
The most significant effect on xylanase and cellulase activities production was exercised
by cellulose, even if xylose and CMC were also effective at some times. The combined effect
of cellulose, yeast extract, and pH was analyzed by a 23 factorial experimental design with
four central points that showed that the maximum tested cellulose (1 % w/v) and yeast extract
(5 g L1) concentrations gave the maximum production of xylanase (8.24 U mL1) and
cellulase (3.29 U mL1) activity at pH 6 and 4, respectively. These values achieved for cellulase
and xylanase activity represent 12e25 fold and 36 fold higher values than the maximum
so far reported for other strains of G. applanatum, respectively