The simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of pretreated sugar cane leaves to produce ethanol using a cellulolytic enzyme complex from Trichoderma reesei QM 9414 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae NRRL-Y-132 was optimized. Enzymic saccharification parameters were evaluated prior to SSF studies. A 92% conversion of 2.5% substrate (alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreated) to sugars was achieved at 50 degrees C and pH 4.5, using T. reesei cellulase (40 FPU/g substrate), in 48 h. The pretreated substrate was then subjected to an SSF process using the cellulase complex and S. cerevisiae cells. Optimization of the SSF system is described.