Isolation Screening and Characterization of Pesticide Tolerant Bacteria

Pesticides play crucial role in modern agriculture by protecting crops from pests and ensuring higher yields. This study focuses on isolating and characterizing pesticide tolerant bacteria (PTB) capable of biodegrading pesticide residues, offering a sustainable alternative for environmental remediation. Soil samples were collected from agricultural fields, particularly from tomato-growing areas, to identify bacteria with pesticide tolerance. The isolation process involved culturing soil samples on Bushnell Haas medium, followed by screening for pesticide-tolerant bacteria (PTB) using graded concentrations of pesticides. The selected bacterial isolates were subjected to morphological and biochemical characterization. The study identified three morphologically distinct isolates—AB1, AB2, and AB3—that exhibited positive tolerance to pesticides. The isolates were found to be Gram-positive rods, with biochemical characteristics aligning with the Bacillus genus, specifically Bacillus thuringiensis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of pesticide-tolerant bacteria in addressing pesticide pollution.