 This study evaluated the enzymatic potential of a large number of plant pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi for their ability to degrade plant biomass and isolated polysaccharides. Plant pathogenic fungi were found to be more active than non-pathogenic fungi on six out of eight substrates tested, with no significant difference seen on the other two substrates. Additionally, several highly active isolates of plant pathogenic fungi were identified, particularly when tested on xylons and untreated biomass. This suggests that these fungi may be good sources of novel cell wall degrading enzymes for industrial applications. This article was authored by Bergstrom Gary C, Walker Larry P, Nenny Nicholas V and others.