Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences Paper

ASSESSMENT OF THE RHIZOSPHERIC AND PHYLLOSPHERIC MICROBIAL POPULATION OF TWO TEA GARDENS AT DARJEELING HILLS, INDIA

S.M. MANDAL AND R.N. BHATTACHARYTA

Abstract

Naturally occurring microbial population in rhizosphere and phyllosphere of tea plans of non tea estates were enumerated by colony counts method showing that the population was higher in rhizospheric soil 0 higher altitude with higher sod moisture. The isolated bacteria were mostly gram Nye. mesophilic and actdophilus. These isolates also showed better establishment in the rhizewphere producing higher growth promoting hormone indo/e acetic acid (IAA) and increased solute uptake efficiency of higher plants. The acidic soil condition for tea plant also provide by the rhianspheric bacteria. Screening of some biochemical adivihes and nature of microbial population in rhizosphere and phyllosphere of tea plants has recorded.