Isolation of Pesticide Resistant Bacteria with Biofertilizer Potential from Agricultural Soil of Erutheyampathy, Palakkad, Kerala

Abstract

Abstract: Soil loaded with millions of microorganisms forms the most important medium for the survival, growth and multiplication of microorganisms along with plant growth promotion. Understanding the importance of soil micro flora will enable us to learn deeply about soil ecosystem which could be effectively utilized in agricultural practices. The quantity of production is increased gradually by treating large variety of chemical pesticides, which also inhibits the useful microorganisms present in the soil. Chemical pesticides kills the useful bacteria, nematodes, earthworms also causing health effects to people. In this study the soil samples were collected from tomato farms of Erutheympathy where chemical pesticides is used. Total heterotopic population were determined and predominant bacteria were identified as genus Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Micrococcus and Enterococcus. After studying pesticide resistance property Pseudomonas found to be resistant to pesticide followed by Serratia. After analysing the bio fertilizer potential for NPK of isolated bacteria Bacillus and Pseudomonas found to solubilize Phosphorus and Potassium. Bacillus, Serratia, Micrococcus and Enterococcus found to have role in conversion of nitrogen which can be absorbed by plants. Unique combination of the soil bacteria with pesticide resistance and bio fertilizer property is a boon to farmers since soil fertility can be retained even after application of chemical pesticide. Key Words: Tomato, Pesticides, Bio fertilizers