ABSTRACT
β-Glucanases are a group of glycosyl hydrolases, which hydrolyse β-glucan substrates and have been broadly characterised in microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. Extracellular β-glucanases act as exo and endo hydro-lases and are further categorized into different types based on the substrate specificity. Comprehensive exhaustion of β-glucan substrates needs the synergic action of various β-glucanases. They have great ecological 54significance and extensive applications in various industries like brewing, textile, food and also agriculture. The agricultural applications, which include pathogen and disease control, seed germination, a supplement of farm animal nutrition, production of plant and fungal protoplasts, etc. are currently attaining increased scientific attention for averting present and future agricultural crises. This chapter discusses the various β-glucanases, their significance and applications in agriculture. Microbial enzyme practices decrease environmental degradation and, thus maintain sustainable agriculture by economically increasing productivity and food safety.
