Isolation and Characterization of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria from Agriculture Soil of Jaipur, Rajasthan

Microorganisms present in soil play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance by active participation in Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Carbon cycle in nature. Phosphorous plays an important role in plant nutrition and have important biochemical role in respiration, cell division, photosynthesis, cell enlargement and several other processes in the living plant. It is one of the most important vital macronutrient requisite for the growth and development of plants. The present study was undertaken to investigate the occurrence of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) from tomato rhizosphere soil samples collected across Jaipur, Rajasthan. Twenty soil samples were collected randomly to isolate phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) by using plate assay method on Pikovskaya’s agar medium (PVK). The microbial colonies showing clear halo zone formation around them were considered as phosphate solubilizing. The isolated PSB were characterized by biochemical different biochemical tests like IMVIC test, Catalase test, Carbohydrate test, Starch hydrolysis test, Oxidase test, Casein Hydrolysis Test, Citrate utilization test, Indole Production test, H2S Production test and Nitrate reduction test. The PSB isolates were subjected to 16S rRNA gene analysis and were identified as Bacillus sp., Streptomyces sp., and Cronobacter sp. The study concludes that by using potential phosphate solubilizing bacteria as biofertilizers will not only enhance soil fertility, crop productivity but will also maintain and protect soil health leading to sustainable agriculture.