Abstract

The sugar waste (molasses) was tested for various physiochemical parameters. After examination of various physiochemical parameters, growth and population count ofRhizobium meliloti MTCC-100 was monitored at different concentrations of sugar waste (10, 20, 30 and up to 100%) in terms of optical density (OD) and colony forming unit (C.F.U.). Growth and cell count of Rhizobium were highest in 10% sugar waste concentration. Growth pattern of the bacteria was observed at 10% sugar waste along with different synthetic media (tryptone yeast extract medium, rhizobium minimal medium and yeast extract medium). Growth of bacteria in 10% sugar waste was found to be superior to standard media (TY, RMM and YEM) used for Rhizobium. The important environmental parameters like pH and temperature were optimized for 10% sugar waste as growth medium. A pH of 7.0 and temperature of 28°C were found to be the most suitable for the fast growing R. meliloti MTCC-100. 

Key words: Rhizobium meliloti, sugar waste, synthetic media, colony forming unit.