An Ecological Survey of Microorganisms Associated with Plantain Roots (Rhizosphere)

Abstract

Problem statement: Micro-organisms are more predominant around root zone and as such play a vital role to plant. Micro-organisms are diverse and have property modification which are beneficial to plant growth and root development. Approach: The lack of knowledge on the specific microorganisms associated with plantain roots in Cross River State soils (which inturn leads to an avoidable loss of crop if appropriate management methods were employed) led to the need for this study. Different ecological zones have different population of micro-organisms. The purpose of this study is to: to enumerate the rhizosphere microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) associated with plantain roots at different locations across the ecological zones of the state and to identify the rhizosphere microorganisms associated with plantain roots of different location representing the ecological zones of the state. Results: To ascertain this, it was necessary to isolate micro-organisms from the roots of plantain in order to determine the different populations of microorganisms in different ecological zones across Cross River State, Nigeria. The isolation of bacteria and fungi colonizing the root of plantain were determined at six locations across the state, as follows: Obanliku, Boki, Etung, Obubra Biase and Odukpani Local Government Area. The activity growing roots of plantain were removed with the attached suckers and transferred to the laboratory for microbial analysis. Serial dilution method was used to determine the population of bacteria and fungi present in the root samples collected. Also, staining reaction as well as biochemical taste were carried out to identify the types of bacteria present and their biochemical reactions. Conclusion/Recommendations: The result showed that several types of bacteria and fungi were present around the roots of plantain. The types of bacteria and fungi are listed below; Bacteria: Micrococus, Rhizobium, Azomonas-agilis, Pseudomonads aeroginosa, Nitrobactar winogradskyl; Fungi: Rhizopus, Aspergillus nigar and Nigrospora. Many of these bacteria and fungi species are known organic matter decomposers, nitrogen fixers and contributors to plant nutrition.The use of appropriate cultural methods could enhance good nutrition around plantain crops.