Isolation and
molecular identification of actinomycetes from sacred grove soil
Sija S.L., Reshmi S. and Athira T.S.
International Journal of Agricultural Sciences and
Veterinary Medicine;
Vol. 12(2); 10-19;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/1202ijasvm10019; (2024)
Abstract
Actinomycetes, a group of prokaryotes sharing traits with both bacteria and fungi,
hold significant economic and commercial importance. They are prolific producers
of enzymes, antibiotics, enzyme inhibitors and pharmaceuticals of high commercial
value. This study aimed to characterize actinomycetes isolated from sacred groves,
focusing on their morphological, biochemical and molecular traits and to assess
their bioactive potential. Actinomycetes were isolated using plating and serial
dilution methods followed by characterization through Gram staining and biochemical
tests such as IMViC test (Indole test, Methyl red test, Voges Proskauer test and
Citrate utilization test).
Identification to the genus level was achieved using 16S rDNA gene sequencing with
strains A1 and A3 identified as Streptomyces mutabilis and Streptomyces cheonanensis
respectively. These strains were also screened for amylase production on starch
casein agar plates and enzyme assays showed strain A1 to have the highest activity
(54.3±1.5 IU/ml/min after 48 hours of incubation). This research underscores the
biotechnological importance of these actinomycetes strains, particularly in amylase
synthesis crucial for various industrial applications.
