Research Journal of Recent Sciences ________________________________________________ ISSN 2277 - 2502
Vol. 1(ISC-2011), 297-303 (2012)
Res.J.Recent.Sci.

Isolation and Characterization of Various Fungal Strains from
Agricultural Soil Contaminated with Pesticides
Rohilla S.K. * and Salar R.K.
Department of Biotechnology, Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa - 125 055, INDIA

Available online at: www.isca.in
(Received 16th September 2011, revised 11th January 2012, accepted 25th January 2012)

Abstract
Twenty three soil samples were characterized for the incidence of fungal strains from pesticides contaminated agricultural
soils. A total of 59 fungal strains were isolated and 33 fungi were characterized using various isolation and identification
methods. Soil samples were also characterized for physiochemical properties. The isolated fungal strains were successfully
identified belonging to the phylum ascomycota (7 genera), deuteromycota (2) and zygomycota (1). Alternaria, Aspergillus,
Drechslera and Fusarium were predominant genera. Curvularia, Exserohilum, Humicola, Rhizopus and Torula were the
most frequently isolated genera. Rests of the strains were not identified owing to the lack of sporulating structures under
presently used incubation conditions. Such strains were designated as Mycelia sterilia. Further, these species will be used in
biodegradation of commonly used pesticides.
Key words: Ascomycota, deuteromycota, zygomycota, mycelia sterilia, physiochemical, pesticides.

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