Nitrogenase activity (acetylene reduction) associated with leaves of different cultivars of paddy (Oryza sativa L.)

An investigation was conducted to study the levels of nitrogen fixation on the leaf or sheath surfaces of four cultivars of paddy plants by using acetylene reduction technique. Varying levels of positive nitrogenase activity were observed on all the leaf surfaces. Sheath of IET 1991 cultivar showed a higher rate of fixation than the leaf surface. All the nitrogen-fixing organisms on the leaf or sheath surfaces belonged to the genus Beijerinckia. There was no correlation between the bacterial density and the level of fixation. Scanning electron microscopic data revealed that the upper surface of IET 1991 leaf was highly silicified and the microflora was either scanty or nil while the lower surface appeared quite different and harboured more micro-organisms. Similarly, the inner surface of sheath was devoid of silicification and showed the presence of micro-organisms.

Isolation and characterization of some new oxalate-decomposing bacteria

Forty-one cultures degrading and assimilating oxalate were isolated from chicken dung. Characterization indicated six different types. One of these belonged to the genusAlcaligenes hitherto never reported to degrade oxalate. Three groups ofPseudomonas strains differed physiologically from strains already known.

Isolation and characterization of some new formate utilizing bacteria

Five isolates degrading and assimilating foramte were isolated from chicken dung. Characterization indicated two differents types. One of these belonged to the genus Alcaligenes and assimilated formate autotrophically. The other four isolates were identical, belongedto hte genus Protaminobacter and assimilated formate heterotrophicaly by the serine pathway.