Biodegradation of methyl parathion and endosulfan using Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Trichoderma viridae.

Microorganisms play an important role in the bioconversion and total breakdown of pesticides in the environment. This study was conducted to assess the pesticide degradation (endosulfan and methyl parathion) ability of the bacteria and fungi (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Trichoderma viridae). The screening test conducted to reveal the ability to degrade endosulfan and methyl parathion shows that Trichoderma viridae was effective compared to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The pesticide degradation was estimated by optical density method. Methyl parathion was highly degraded compared to endosulfan. This study clearly proves that pesticides and their residue degradation can be accelerated by employing microbes which can be effectively utilized both as biocontrol agent and soil cleanser.

Screening and productivity of penicillin antibiotic from Penicillium sp.

This paper highlights the antagonism effect of Penicillium isolates, which were screened against the test organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Penicillium sp. Penicillium notatum and Penicillium chrysogenum isolates were used for penicillin biosynthesis. The antibacterial activities of fermented crude penicillin extract were assayed by disc diffusion method. Maximum antibacterial activity was observed in Gram positive organisms (Staphylococcus aureus) when compared with Gram negative organisms. The isolated Penicillium chrysogenum can be used for large-scale penicillin antibiotic production.