Biochemical And Physiological Characterization Of Actinomycetes Isolated From Rhizospheric Regions In The Soils Of Arachis Hypogea L. And Gossypium Herbaceum L. Near The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary

Abstract

30 isolates of actinomycetes were collected from the soil samples of Arachis hypogea L. and Gossypium herbaceum L. near the fields located surrounding the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary area of Junagadh District,Gujarat State,India. All the isolates were subjected to serial dilution process. The present study aimed to identify and characterize these isolates using biochemical and physiological tests. From the morphological tests and gram staining procedures conducted prior to the biochemical and physiological tests, it was already observed that Actinomycetes are Gram positive , filamentous shaped bacteria. It was also observed that these bacteria contain hyphae, mycelium as well as sporangia which is able to release spores. It was able to produce yellow pigments, posses an earthy aroma and showed optimum growth under aerobic conditions at temperature about 28 ⁰C, pH 7 and 5% w/v NaCl Concentration. Therefore, it was considered as a mesophilic, basophilic and moderate Salt tolerant by nature. The isolates showed variations in carbon utilization but able to utilize almost all carbon sources. These bacteria were also able to give positive results in methyl red test, nitrate reduction tests, urea hydrolysis, citrate utilization tests etc. Altogether, the results indicated that these isolates i.e. Actinomycetes are able to utilize almost all nutrient sources available in the rhizosphere region of Arachis hypogea L. and Gossypium herbaceum L.