ENZYMATIC SACCHARIFICATION OF OIL PALM TRUNKS

Abstract

Treatment with cellulolytic enzyme on different portions of two oil palm trunks yielded appreciable amounts of solubilized matter. Sugars produced by this enzymatic hydrolysis comprised principally glucose and constituted 32 to 79% of the solubilized matter. The ratio of sugars to the amount of solubilized matter, as given by the weight loss, increased with a decrease in the amount of solubilized matter radially towards the periphery of the trunks. Except for the outer zone of one tree, this ratio did not show wide differences along the height although the amount of solubilized matter distinctly increased with the height of the palms.