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K. Selvam ¹, K. Swaminathan ², M. Manikandan ¹, P. Chinnaswamy ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, Dr. N. G. P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641 035, T.N., IN
2 Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore-641 046, T.N., IN
3 Department of Biochemistry, Dr. N. G. P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641 035, T.N, IN

Abstract

White rot fungus, Thelephora, isolated by its high production levels of ligninolytic enzymes from stumps of a burnt tree, was examined for its optimum growth conditions such as pH and temperature as well as carbon sources (glucose, cellulose and lignin) and nitrogen sources (diammonium tartrate, yeast extract and urea). For the maximum growth of Thelephora the 6 day incubation period was required at pH 5.0 and 35°C with 3.0 g/L lignin as a carbon source and 0.88 g/L yeast extract as a nitrogen source. The lignin peroxidase (LiP) production was maximal on the 7th day at pH 4.5 and 40°C with 3.0 g/L lignin and 0.44 g/L diammonium tartrate. The manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) production was achieved on 7th day incubation at pH 4.5 and 40°C, with 2.5 g/L glucose and 0.22 g/L diammonium tartrate as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively. The highest amount of laccase was obtained on the fourth day of incubation at pH 7.0 and 35°C using 3.0 g/L cellulose and 0.44 g/L diammonium tartrate as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively.

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E. Saritha ¹, T. Priyadharsini ¹, B. Varunmathi ¹, K. Swaminathan ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN
2 Bharathiar University, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN

Abstract

Biofertilizers are an alternative to mineral fertilizers for increasing soil productivity and plant growth in sustainable agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate possible effects of three plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as biofertilizers on the growth of Cajanus cajan and Vigna radiata. The application treatments included the control (without bacterial inoculation) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (Rhizobium, Phosphobacterium, and Azotobacter) in sterilized soil. Data suggested that seed inoculation of Cajanus cajan and Vigna radiata with PGPR strains increased ischolar_main length, shoot length, leaf surface area and plant height when compared with control. Present results showed that PGPR strains stimulated plants growth and could be used as an alternative to chemical fertilizer.

Keywords

Rhizobium, Phosphobacterium, Azotobacter, Biofertilizer, Cajanus cajan, Vigna radiata.

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E. Saritha ¹, R. Anand ², S. Suja ³, K. Swaminathan ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN
2 Department of Microbiology, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN
3 Department of Biochemistry, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN
4 Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN

Abstract

A study was carried out on yeast fermentation of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) using baker’s yeast (Sacchromyces cerevisiae). The fermented sugar syrup (broth) was analyzed for yeast growth, alcohol content, reducing sugar, pH, soluble solids, volatile acids and total acidity using standard protocols. Yeast growth was also monitored. Results showed that pH values decreased with increased total acidity with concomitant increase in yeast growth (biomass) and alcohol contents of the fermenting sugar syrup. There were decreases in soluble solid contents, refractive indices of the fermenting medium. The reducing sugar in the Ipomoea batatas was lowest after 48 h of saccharification using Sacchromyces cerevisiae.The value recorded was 132 to 87 mg/100ml. Volatile acids (as acetic acids), increased with alcoholic fermentation. Fermentation of sugar syrup from Ipomoea batatas is associated with physical and chemical changes that occur in other form of fermentation alongside increased in biomass. The fermented Ipomoea batatas yielded ethanol contents of 11.5 to 53.0% (v/v).

Keywords

Ipomoea batatas, Fermentation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Alcohol, Sugar Syrup, Biomass.

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