Plant Growth Promotion

Microbial keratinase mediated biodegradation of keratin rich wastes such as chicken feathers, nails, hairs and wool, is an environment friendly biotechnological process, which converts this abundant waste into low-cost, nutrient-rich animal feed. Keratinase mediated hydrolysis of feather meal/raw feather significantly enhances the level of essential amino acids in the product. Optimization of various physical and nutritional parameters showed that maximum protease production of 4250 U/l from Bacillus S-2 strain occurred in 36 h at pH 7, temperature 37 ºC, agitation rate 200 rpm, in a medium having lactose as carbon source, proteose peptone as nitrogen source and 1 % feather meal as inducer. The isolated enzyme efficiently degraded raw feathers to soluble form in 48 h of incubation at 37 ºC and 150 rpm. The enzyme has the potential for application in the manufacturing of organic manure and production of nutrient rich animal feed. The enzyme was compatible with detergents and removed stains of blood, egg white and coffee more efficiently than the detergent alone, so can also be used as a detergent aid.

One of the most significant requirements of modern world agriculture is to achieve higher yields in an environment permissive manner. Among various plant growth promoting microorganisms, Trichoderma occupies a unique position. Genus Trichoderma represents a very large and diverse group of fungi which plays a crucial role in uplifting the plant productivity. This fungus has a distinct property to infect and colonize in the roots of various plants. Interaction of plant roots with Trichoderma induces various genetic and physical changes in the plants. Trichoderma employs various tactics like antibiosis, competition, iron chelation, Hyperparasitism/Mycoparasitismetc to inhibit the growth of pathogens residing in the neighborhood. Additionally they secrete various chemicals/ Proteins /hormones to uplift the growth of infected plants. Some of them resides as endophytes and promotes plant growth in many ways. Some Trichoderma spp. are known to induce systemic resistance against plant pathogens and tolerance against abiotic stress.