Actinomycetes PDF

Introduction and Characteristics of Actinomycetes Figure showing Actinomycetes Industrial and Economic Importance of Actinomycetes  Role of Actinomycetes in Nature Figure showing image of Actinomycetes under (SEM) 1. The...

Introduction and Characteristics of Actinomycetes Figure showing Actinomycetes Industrial and Economic Importance of Actinomycetes  Role of Actinomycetes in Nature Figure showing image of Actinomycetes under (SEM) 1. The Actinomycetes has the niche of decomposition of complex polymers that produce plant growth regulators, and cycle more recalcitrant soil organic matters. 2. It also plays an important role in the inhibition of growth of several plant pathogens in the rhizosphere and decompose complex mixtures of polymer in dead plant, animal and fungal materials, which results in the production of many extracellular enzymes which are conductive to crop production. 3. The major contribution in biological buffering of soil, biological control of soil environments by Nitrogen Fixation and degradation of high molecular weight compounds like hydrocarbons in the polluted soils are well-known characteristics of actinomycetes. 4. Soil containing organic residues are first attacked by the bacteria & fungi, and then later by actinomycetes because actinomycetes have slower activity & growth than bacteria and fungi. 5. Actinomycetes decompose more resistant and indecomposable organic Substances and produces number of dark black to brown pigments. So, the soil humus looks dark in colour. The advantages contributed by actinomycetes to the environment: 1. They improve the availability of nutrients, minerals. 2. They enhance metabolize production and promote plant growth regulators. 3. They do not contaminate the environment. 4. They help in the improving soil health constantly, by formation and stabilization of compost piles. 5. They form stable humus. 6. They combine with other soil microorganisms and break down tough plant residues such as cellulose and animal residues to maintain the biotic equilibrium of soil, cooperating with nutrient cycling. Biological Nitrogen Fixation by Actinomycetes: “THE WHOLE TRANSFORMATION OF NITROGEN INTO DIFFERENT FORM IS KNOWN AS THE NITROGEN CYCLE.” Actinomycetes are known as remarkable Nitrogen fixing bacteria, as like other types of nitrogen fixing bacteria. The figure above shows how nitrogen cycle takes place in the environment. Ammonification or Decomposition of Nitrogenous compounds by Actinomycetes: Dead remains of Figure showing Nitrogen Fixation Cycle plants and animals are decomposed by actinomycetes and also along with other bacteria and fungi present in the soil and convert the organic nitrogen compound into ammonia. Actinomycetes in humus formation: The characteristically earthy smell of newly plowed soil in the spring is caused by actinomycetes. Actinomycetes are especially important in the formation of humus. While most bacteria are found in the top foot or so of topsoil, actinomycetes may work many feet below the surface. Deep under the roots they convert dead plant matter to a peat like substance. While they are decomposing animal and vegetable matter, actinomycetes liberate carbon, nitrogen and ammonia, making nutrients available for higher plants. Figure showing image They are found on every natural substrate, and the majority of humus mixed into are Aerobic and mesophilic. It is said that 5% or more of the soil soil's bacterial population is comprised of actinomycetes.