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Abstract: Laboratory and pilot-scale reactors were used to assess biodégradation of wheat straw when supplemented by a commercial polysaccharidase complex (trade name: Express®). These materials are designed ta reduce the time needed for mushroom compost production. The addition of Express® to straw had three consequences: (1) it supplied and released low quantities of readily available sugars; (2) it increased enzymatic activities (cellulases and xylanases) in the substrate; (3) it increased the number of microorganisms, particularly the aerobic bacterial population present in the substrate. These positive effects have lead us to conclude that higher production of cellulase by the bacteria was a direct consequence of adding the enzyme to straw. The sugars released from straw by the action of Express® were identified as glucose, xylose, cellobiose and cellodextrins. The ability of these sugars to induce cellulase production was tested on Bacillus subtilis, the main thermophilic bacteria isolated from the compost and the result are reported below.
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