Lentinus edodes and Pleurotus species from various origins were compared for the first time for their ability to produce lignocellulolytic enzyme in solid-state (SSF) and submerged (SF) fermentation of various plant raw material. Fungi cultivation in identical culture conditions revealed wide differences among both species and strains of the same species. The yields of CMCase (62.3 U ml(-1)), xylanase (84.1 U ml(-1)), FPA (5.9 U ml(-1)), and laccase (4103 U l(-1)) are. the best so far obtained with the strains of oyster mushrooms. The study pointed out that the nature of lignocellulosic material and the method of fungi cultivation are factors determining the expression of lignocellulolytic potential of fungi as well as the ratio of individual enzymes in enzyme complex. SSF of tree leaves is favorable for laccase and MnP secretion by the majority L. edodes and Pleurotus strains, whereas SF provides better production of hydrolytic enzymes. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.