An alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Fusarium oxysporum Fusarium oxysporum F3 was purified to homogeneity by a two-step ion exchange intercalated by a gel filtration chromatography. The enzyme had a molecular mass of 66 kDa and was optimally active at pH 6.0 and 60 degrees C. It hydrolyzed aryl alpha-L-arabinofuranosides and cleaved arabinosyl side chains from arabinoxylan and arabinan. There was a marked synergistic effect between the alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase and an endo-(1-->4)-beta-D-xylanase produced by F. oxysporum in the extensive hydrolysis of arabinoxylan.