Abstract

Sonia Chacko, Pramod W. Ramteke* and Suchit A. John

Ninety three cultures of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolated from rhizosphere of Pisum sativum, among them one isolate identified as Pseudomonas putida was found to be potential amidase producer. The organism exhibited a battery of PGPR traits including enhanced production of plant growth hormone indoleacetic acid (IAA) and siderophore. P. putida MTCC 6809 exhibited both intracellular and extra- cellular amidase activity. The organism produced maximum extracellular amidase enzyme at 30°C and pH 7.5 in shaking state. The organism hydrolyzed a wide range of aliphatic amides that included acetamide, propionamide, acrylamide and butyramide. Acrylamide is a known carcinogen, teratogen and neurotoxicant and utilization of acrylamide by P. putida MTCC 6809 assume great importance. The organism is also tolerant to number of heavy metals at higher levels. These characteristics make P. putida MTCC 6809 an excellent candidate for field application in contaminated soil.