Fungi produce lignolytic enzymes for utilizing the wood components; the important one among them is lignin peroxidase (LiP). The present study focuses to find out the highest lignin peroxidase producer among the collected fungi, isolated from in and nearby areas of Western Ghats and other parts of Kerala. Among the 62 isolates, the highest producer was identified to be Endomelanconiopsis endophytica LP01 from the regions of Western Ghats and this is the first report that demonstrates production of LiP in Endomelanconiopsis spp. The isolates from the Western Ghats has got highest LiP activity compared to those from other regions. The qualitative assay for LiP employing azure B supplemented in Potato Dextrose Agar as substrate showed that the LiP Produced by E. endophytica LP01 could oxidize the dye, which would extend its role in textile and other industries as well.
