Biological pretreatment with a cellobiose dehydrogenase-deficient strain of Trametes versicolor enhances the biofuel potential of canola straw

► Mutant m4D of Trametes versicolor does not express cellobiose dehydrogenase (cdh) mRNA. ► This mutant does not degrade cellulose in lignocellulosic agricultural residue. ► The mutant can delignify, suggesting a role for CDH in cellulose degradation. ► Fungus-treated canola straw shows improved lignin extractability, glucose yield. ► Glucose can be released from fungal cell wall in treated biomass using glucanex.