DIVERSITY OF THE GENUS CHROOCOCCUS NAGELI (CHROOCOCCACEAE, CYANOBACTERIA) FROM SOUTHERN WESTERN GHAT REGIONS OF KERALA, INDIA

Cyanobacteria are one of the ecologically and economically relevant microorganisms that perform both photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation. Among them, unicellular species such as Chroococcus have immense applications in biotechnological as well as agricultural fields. Due to the cellular simplicity, Chroococcus was easy to isolate, cultivate and multiply. They are good fixators of atmospheric nitrogen, and also performs oxygen production. Kerala forests are one of the least explored area with respect to cyanobacteria. This study aims at collecting divers Chroococcus species from selected forest areas of Kerala. While the investigation, a total of eleven Chroococcus species found from selected forest areas.