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Slow and steady phosphate solubilization by a psychrotolerant strain of Paecilomyces hepiali (MTCC 9621)

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Abstract

A psychrotolerant phosphate solubilizing fungus has been isolated from the rock soil of a cold desert site in Indian Himalaya. The fungus grows from 4 to 35°C (optimum 21°C), and from 2 to 13.5 pH (optimum 9) under laboratory conditions. Based on phenotypic characters and 26S rDNA analysis, the fungus is identified as Paecilomyces hepiali. In quantitative estimation that was carried out at 9, 14, and 21°C, the fungus solubilized maximum phosphate at 14°C. In view of the slow growth and persistence of the desired activity at low temperature, the estimation was carried out for a longer period, i.e., up to 6 weeks. The suboptimal conditions for growth and biomass production were found to be optimal for phosphate solubilization by the fungus. At 14 and 9°C, the solubilization touched its maximum on day 42. Decline in pH was found to be significantly correlated with the phosphate solubilization at all the temperatures, under consideration. The acid phosphatase activity was found to be more prominent than alkaline phosphatase in culture filtrate. High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis showed production of six organic acids, gluconic and α-keto glutaric acid being in maximum amount in the culture filtrate. The study has ecological significance in view of the nutrient cycling under low temperature environment, prevalent in Himalayan region.

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Acknowledgments

Dr L.M.S. Palni, Director GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Almora, is thanked for encouragement and extending the facilities. Dr M.G.H. Zaidi (Department of Chemistry, GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar) is thanked for extending the HPTLC facility. Department of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India, New Delhi are acknowledged for financial support.

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  1. Biotechnological Applications, G. B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand, 263 643, India

    Rinu K. & Anita Pandey

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  1. Rinu K.
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  2. Anita Pandey
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Correspondence to Anita Pandey.

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Rinu K., Pandey, A. Slow and steady phosphate solubilization by a psychrotolerant strain of Paecilomyces hepiali (MTCC 9621). World J Microbiol Biotechnol 27, 1055–1062 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-010-0550-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-010-0550-0

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