ANNOUNCEMENTS
The present investigation was undertaken to isolate and characterize Azotobacter species from rhizospheric soil collected from various plant sites. Azotobacter is a free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterium that enhances soil fertility and promotes plant growth, making it an effective biofertilizer. Soil samples were collected from different places and serial dilution was done, spread plate and streak plate techniques were used for bacterial isolation. Based on the colony morphology, distinct colonies were purified, selected and characterized. Further, molecular identification was carried out by extracting genomic DNA using the CTAB method, followed by 16S rRNA gene amplification through PCR. The amplicons were analyzed using agarose gel electrophoresis, and sequencing was performed to confirm the identity of the isolates. Presence of diverse Azotobacter strains were demonstrated in the result, The results demonstrated the presence of diverse Azotobacter strains, with variations in colony appearance and growth rate, particularly influenced by type of host plant. The study emphasizes the ecological significance of Azotobacter and its potential utility in sustainable agriculture as a biofertilizer for enhancing crop productivity and soil health.
Key Words: Rhizospheric Soil; Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria; Azotobacter;16 S rRNA; PCR.
