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Microbiological Assessment of Polyalthia Longifolia (Masquerade Tree) Rhizosphere Soil
Subject area: Biological & Medical Sciences · Area of research: Microbiology
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719880
Abstract
Polyalthia longifolia (Masquerade tree) is a medicinal plant widely cultivated in tropical regions; however, information on the microbial communities inhabiting its rhizosphere remains limited. This study assessed the culturable bacterial and fungal populations associated with the rhizosphere of P. longifolia in selected areas of Sokoto State, Nigeria. Twelve rhizosphere soil samples were collected from seven locations at a depth of 0–15 cm using a soil auger. Soil samples were serially diluted to 10-6 dilution factor and cultured on Nutrient Agar (NA) for bacteria and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) supplemented with streptomycin for fungi. Bacterial isolates were identified using colony morphology, Gram staining, and standard biochemical tests, while fungal isolates were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics following lactophenol cotton blue staining. Four bacterial genera were isolated: Bacillus spp. (46.66%), Micrococcus luteus (26.66%), Corynebacterium spp. (15.00%), and Actinomycetes spp. (11.66%). The fungal community comprised Aspergillus flavus (29.79%), Aspergillus niger (27.66%), Sporotrichum spp. (21.28%), Candida spp. (10.64%), and Geotrichum spp. (10.64%). The predominance of Bacillus and Aspergillus species suggests that the rhizosphere of P. longifolia supports microorganisms involved in organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and potentially beneficial plant-microbe interactions. These findings provide baseline information on the culturable rhizosphere microbiota of P. longifolia and highlight its potential as a reservoir of agriculturally and biotechnologically important microorganisms. Further studies employing molecular identification techniques and functional characterization are recommended to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the rhizosphere microbiome and its ecological significance.
Keywords
Polyalthia longifolia, Rhizosphere, Soil, Bacteria, Fungi.
How to cite this paper
@article{1719880,
author = {Mudassiru, S., Mustapha, G., Hafsat, S. L.},
title = {Microbiological Assessment of Polyalthia Longifolia (Masquerade Tree) Rhizosphere Soil},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {1841-1848},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1719880.pdf},
abstract = {Polyalthia longifolia (Masquerade tree) is a medicinal plant widely cultivated in tropical regions; however, information on the microbial communities inhabiting its rhizosphere remains limited. This study assessed the culturable bacterial and fungal populations associated with the rhizosphere of P. longifolia in selected areas of Sokoto State, Nigeria. Twelve rhizosphere soil samples were collected from seven locations at a depth of 0–15 cm using a soil auger. Soil samples were serially diluted to 10-6 dilution factor and cultured on Nutrient Agar (NA) for bacteria and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) supplemented with streptomycin for fungi. Bacterial isolates were identified using colony morphology, Gram staining, and standard biochemical tests, while fungal isolates were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics following lactophenol cotton blue staining. Four bacterial genera were isolated: Bacillus spp. (46.66%), Micrococcus luteus (26.66%), Corynebacterium spp. (15.00%), and Actinomycetes spp. (11.66%). The fungal community comprised Aspergillus flavus (29.79%), Aspergillus niger (27.66%), Sporotrichum spp. (21.28%), Candida spp. (10.64%), and Geotrichum spp. (10.64%). The predominance of Bacillus and Aspergillus species suggests that the rhizosphere of P. longifolia supports microorganisms involved in organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and potentially beneficial plant-microbe interactions. These findings provide baseline information on the culturable rhizosphere microbiota of P. longifolia and highlight its potential as a reservoir of agriculturally and biotechnologically important microorganisms. Further studies employing molecular identification techniques and functional characterization are recommended to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the rhizosphere microbiome and its ecological significance.},
keywords = {Polyalthia longifolia, Rhizosphere, Soil, Bacteria, Fungi.},
month = {July},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719880}
}