Herbicidal agents from actinomycetes against selected crop plants and weeds

About 64 total actinomycetes were isolated from various coastal soils. Sixteen actinomycete isolates were screened for herbicidal principles. Out of these, five potent isolates were selected for characterisation and identification. Based on their morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics, the actinomycete isolates were identified as Glyomyces, Saccharomonospra and Streptomyces sp. The Streptomycetes isolates were tested for herbicidal principles by germination inhibition assay. About 10 crop seeds were tested for herbicidal activity with Streptomycetes isolates. The crop seeds did not show growth inhibition. Four weed seeds were tested for herbicidal activity with Streptomyces isolates. Streptomyces inhibits the growth of Echinochilora crusgalli, but it could not inhibit the growth of Echinochilora colonum, Parthenium sp., or Ageratum conizoites. The present study concludes that Streptomyces isolates will be a bioherbicide against E. crusgalli. Further study is required to confirm the activity of Streptomyces isolates against E. crusgalli under field conditions.