Isolation and taxonomy of the blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), Nostoc and Anabaena in Kerala State, India

Blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) are ubiquitous, pristine and pioneer photosynthetic microorganisms. Many species of cyanobacteria are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen and such species in wet soils are simultaneously augmenting the fertility of the soil, acting as natural bio-fertilizers. Nostoc and Anabaena are the two important genera of heterocystous cyanobacteria capable of contributing nitrogen to soil, especially in paddy fields. The major objectives of the investigation included survey, collection, isolation and pure culture of nitrogen-fixing species of Cyanobacteria in the soils of Kerala state, India. Altogether, pure cultures of 12 species of Nostoc and 5 species of Anabaena are prepared.