AMYLASE FROM MODERATE HALOPHILES ISOLATED FROM WILD ASS EXCRETA

Twenty-four (Mk-1 to Mk-24) isolates were obtained from excreta samples of wild ass after enrichment. Organisms were able to grow optimally at pH 5-6, 30-40˚C temperature and 10-15% NaCl (w/v), no growth below 5% NaCl indicated moderate halophilic nature of isolates. Organisms were Gram’s positive, non-capsulated and identified belongs to Bacillus genera on the basis of Bergey’s manual. Nine moderate halophiles were able to produce extracellular amylase, Bacillus macquariensis was the best amylase producer. The organism secretes maximum amylase at pH 6, Temperature 30˚C, 1.2% starch and peptone as nitrogen source after 72 hours.