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Isolation and Characterization of Endophytes from Medicinal Plant,
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)
-- Sanjaykumar S Ingle
Endophytes are microbes that colonize the internal tissue of the host plants. Endophytes from medicinal plants have become a hot topic for metabolite discovery. Bacterial endophytes were isolated from the leaf and stem samples of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), a medicinal plant known as Indian ginseng and screened for enzymes of biotechnological importance. All the isolates showed different enzymatic activities like amylase, protease and esterase, while no pectinase activity was detected. Isolate AS4, AS5 and BL3 were found to be amylase and esterase producers. Out of 10 endophytes, three isolates were identified by 16s rDNA amplification and sequencing. Two of them were Sarretia marcescence (AS5 and ASS2) and one Bacillus subtilis (BL3). © 2011 IUP. All Rights Reserved.
Production of Exopolysaccharides by P. aeruginosa,
P. fluorescens and Bacillus sp.
--Sirajunnisa Abdul Razack, V Vijayagopal and T Viruthagiri
A comparative study was carried out on the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) at the laboratory scale. EPS was produced from P. aeruginosa, P. fluorescens and Bacillus species. EPS was obtained by ethanol precipitation method and the total carbohydrate content was determined. The major sugar unit was found to be glucose using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). The functional groups were identified using FTIR spectroscopy. The production of EPS was noted to be higher during its stationary phase of growth. The maximum yield of EPS, by batch studies, was found to be produced by Bacillus sp. (1,352 mg/L), followed by P. aeruginosa (1,302 mg/L) and P. fluorescens (1,285 mg/L). © 2011 IUP. All Rights Reserved.
A Novel Approach to Intrude Secondary Metabolites
of Pseudomonas fluorescens as a Biocontrol Substance
Against Alternaria alternata
-- J Renga Ramanujam and S Kulothungan
The term plant pathology applies to the use of microbial antagonists to suppress diseases as well as the use of host-specific pathogens to control weed population. The organism that suppresses the pest or pathogen is referred to as biological control agent. In the present study, Pseudomonas fluorescens was isolated from rhizosphere soil and it was checked for the ability to produce antagonistic substances like hydrogen cyanide (HCN), salicylic acid and siderophore. The antifungal potential of the Pseudomonas fluorescens and its metabolites against the phytopathogen Alternaria alternata was detected in vitro. The bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens and its secondary metabolites were found to be efficient biocontrol agents against Alternaria alternata, a common phytopathogen which causes leaf spot. There is a relationship between the antifungal activity of Pseudomonas fluorescens and secondary metabolites produced, especially HCN. Several desirable traits of Pseudomonas fluorescens and its metabolites against the phytopathogenic fungi will help us to produce formulations of biofungicide based on these secondary metabolites which will substitute the chemical fungicides. © 2011 IUP. All Rights Reserved.
Microbiological Assessment of Production Stages
of Fried Bean Cake (Akara) in Nigeria
-- U J J Ijah, J D Bala and A A Olayinka
Analysis of fried bean cake (Akara), a legume-based product, was carried out to determine the microbial hazard associated with each of the five stages of its production. Various microorganisms were identified at different stages of Akara production and they include species of Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Alcaligenes, Serratia, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor, Fusarium, Rhizopus, Saccharomyces and Candida. The total viable bacterial counts ranged from 4.5 × 103 cfu/g to 1.3 × 106 cfu/g, while the counts of Staphylococcus ranged from 1.8 × 1 02 cfu/g to 3.6 × 105 cfu/g and fungal counts ranged from 5.1 × 101 cfu/g to 2.6 × 104 cfu/g. The index of microbial load (104-106) was high at stages 2 and 3 of the production process, which are the milling process and addition of blended ingredients respectively, while the frying stage (stage 4) had low microbial counts. No coliforms were detected in any of the five stages of production of the fried bean cake. The results suggested that stages 2 and 3 were the Critical Control Points (CCPs), where some degree of control can be exercised over the microbial hazard of akara to prevent, eliminate, or reduce the microbial load to acceptable levels. © 2011 IUP. All Rights Reserved.
A Review of Ayurvedic and Modern Medicinal Uses
of Multipurpose Medicinal Herb: Centella asiatica (L.)
-- Seema Chaitanya Ch, B Srinivasa Rao, V Sharan and V Meena
Plants have been playing a significant role in maintaining human health and improving the quality of human life for thousands of years and are used as valuable components of medicines, seasonings, beverages, cosmetics and dyes. Many herbal remedies have been employed in various medical systems for the treatment and management of different diseases. Centella asiatica is a perennial herbaceous creeper, faintly aromatic and a valuable medicinal herb which has been used in myriad systems of traditional medication for the treatment of diseases and ailments of human beings. The present review attempts to encompass the up-to-date comprehensive literature analysis. © 2011 IUP. All Rights Reserved.
Bioremediation Activity of Acclimated Streptomyces sp.
in Solid and Liquid Waste
-- Ashok Kumar, Vishnu Dutt Joshi, Balwant Singh Bisht and Himani
In the recent years, Uttarakhand has emerged as one of the most attractive industrial destinations in India. The industrial sector of the Uttarakhand state is growing day-byday, and the industrial effluents, disposed by the industries, cause environmental pollution. The industrial effluents have many pollutants, including heavy metals. The major environmental problem is the pollution of heavy metals, and they cause serious diseases in animals, including human. In the present study, the streptomyces strain isolated from sludge contaminated with heavy metal was trained for heavy metal remediation and used for bioremediation activity for chromium, copper and lead in the waste. The metal chromium reduction ranged from 0.386 to 6.42 mg/L, which showed maximum reduction in chromium by Streptomyces sp., copper reduction ranged from 0.288 to 1.129 mg/L, and reduction in lead ranged from 0.063 to 0.286 mg/L. In future, the gram positive filamentous streptomyces strain can be used for chromium ion reduction as bioremediating agent. © 2011 IUP. All Rights Reserved.
Maximization of Microshoots Multiplication in Carnation
Using Growth Regulators
-- Tejaswini, Shubha R Rao, M V Dhananjaya and Anuradha Sane
Carnation, a high value commercial cut flower crop, is cultivated in India both for domestic and export market. In our study, we aimed at increasing the multiplication of microshoots for supplying quality planting material to farmers. This paper reports the effect of various growth regulators on maximizing the production of quality microshoots measuring 2-4 cm length, which is found to be efficient in rooting and field establishment. The supplementation of GA3 was found to be essential for maximizing the regeneration of microshoots. A comparative study between the effect of BA and Kinetin indicated that BA had positive impact on number of leaves per explant and total number of microshoots regenerated. Addition of BA at 1 ppm maximized the production of number of desired microshoots (2-4 cm). The media supplemented with combination of GA3 (0.25 ppm), BA (1 ppm) and NAA (0.25 ppm) was found to be the best for production of quality microshoots. © 2011 IUP. All Rights Reserved.
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