Characterization of Exopolysaccharides Produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Nono: A Traditional Fermented Milk in Nigeria

There is an increasing global concern about fluoride (F-) toxicity in agricultural soils as it adversely affects soil microbial activity and diversity. Since soil microorganisms contribute to plant health and plant nutrition, it is important to note the proper functioning of soil microorganisms in crop lands in the perspec¬tive of the fact that high F- level in soils adversely affects the microorganisms which can in turn affect the crop production. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of microbial inoculation and soil F- concen¬tration on the nutrition of Oryza sativa using microbial isolates from F- contaminated soils as inoculants. Besides, this study envisages the possibility of utilizing F- tolerant microbes for the detoxification of crop lands polluted with F-. Results revealed that inoculation of Azotobacter improved the nutrient content of plants under no added F-. But combined inoculation of bacterium and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) improved nutrition under added F-. F- content in plant and grain apparently decreased in inoculation treat¬ments. Mycorrhizal inoculation improved root colonization by AMF in the roots of rice.