Bacterial Diversity and Bioprospecting for enzyme among the Shola Forests of Idukki District, Kerala, India

Abstract

Abstract Shola forests are unique montane vegetations found extensively along the Southern Western Ghats of India. Samples were collected in the form of soil, slurry, and water from Pampadum, Mathikettan and Anamudi Sholas. Cultivable bacteria were isolated to explore bacterial diversity of the region. Among the total 58 morphologically divergent bacterial strains, 32 isolates showed circular configuration, 24 were irregular while 2 were punctiform. Predominance of pale white colour colonies were discernible followed by white, beige, orange, yellow, pink including transparent ones. Nearly 56.89% of the isolates were found to be Gram negative rods. Distribution of Gram positive rod and Gram positive cocci were 39.65% and 3.45% respectively. Statistical analysis (Shannon and Simpsons) was recorded. Maximum and minimum diversity was observed from the samples collected from Pampadum soil and water. Identification through 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolates revealed predominance of 4 divisions viz., Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, distributed in 9 genera. More genera were distributed in the phyla Proteobacteria followed by the Firmicutes. Least representations were by Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes. The bacterial isolates had the ability to produce different enzymes. The isolate Acinetobacter dispersus (ASL31) was found to have maximum amylase activity of 62.6 ± 1.3 U/ml. The isolate Bacillus paralicheniformis (PS1) showed maximum protease activity of 49.2 ± 0.6 U/ml, and the isolate Bacillus aerius (MSL9) possessed maximum cellulase activity of about 86.2 ± 0.9 U/ml. Hence, the diverse environment of Shola forests provides adequate diversity to explore the place for various microorganisms for bioprospecting.