ISOLATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF MICRO-ORGANISMS WITH INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE FROM SISAL BOLE ROTS

Abstract

Investigation of microorganisms naturally acclimatized to Agave hybrid H 11648 (sisal bole
rot) was conducted, with the aim of isolating and characterizing Aspergillus niger strains
for industrial use. Microorganism were identified morphologically and then confirmation
made by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results showed the existence of four major
groups, listed in order of abundances as follows; Aspergilli (36.0 ±0.8) %, Penicillin
(28.0 ±0.1) %, Yeast (15.0 ±1.6) %and Fusarium (10.0 ±0.12) %. The main groups of
Aspergilli strains were A. nidulans, A. tamari and A. niger in ratios (3:2:2), respectively.
Several endo-spore forming non-enteric gram (-) rods and coccid bacteria identified by API
20 NE identification systemincluded,Brevundimonas diminuta sp, Shewanella putrefaciens
sp, Brevundimonas vesicularis sp and Pasteurella sp. Results showed that sisal bole rot
stems hosts a high bio-diversity of microorganism species other than A. niger. Exploitation
of the individual strains is recommended. This could eventually produce strains for
precursors of industrially and therapeutically metabolites.