An alkalophilic and thermotolerant, pectinase-producing Bacillus sp. DT7 effectively removed pectic substances from buel (Grewia optiva) bast fibres. A novel combined (chemical and enzymatic) treatment was used to degum buel bast fibres, which was followed by the release of galacturonic acid (575 mu mol g(-1) dry fibres) and a decrease in dry weight (43%) of these fibres.