Functional analysis of glycoside hydrolase family 18 and 20 genes in Neurospora crassa

► Deletion of chitinase chit-1 causes reduced growth rate. ► Deletion of ENGase gh18-10 results in reduced growth rate and increased conidiation. ► Deletion of ENGase gh18-10 results in increased abiotic stress tolerance. ► ENGase gh18-10 is essential for female fertility. ► Transcriptional patterns differ between three C-group chitinase genes.