Raiganj univ scientists discover new species of soil bacteria
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Malda: Researchers at Bengal's Raiganj University have discovered a new species of soil bacteria that exhibits strong antimicrobial properties and significantly enhances seed germination, indicating its immense potential in promoting plant health and productivity.
The bacterium was isolated from the rhizosphere of mulberry plants, a key component of the region's sericulture and farming systems.
The newly discovered species has been named Bacillus ayatagriensis, inspired by the name of the lead scientist Amit Kumar Mandal's daughter Aayat. The name combines "Aayat", derived in Sanskrit as "Ayata" and "Krishi", meaning agriculture.
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The study was conducted in the field of applied microbiology under the leadership of Mandal from the department of sericulture.
He was joined by an interdisciplinary team comprising Sandip Das, Rittick Mondal, Pankaj Mandal, Shubhajit Shaw, Joydeep Chakraborty, Debnirmalya Gangopadhyay and Abdul Sadat.
The group of scientists conducted a comprehensive analysis of the bacterium's bioactive potential, laying the groundwork for future applications in eco-friendly agriculture. The discovery marks the first official report of a novel microbial species from Raiganj University and has already found a place in renowned journals such as Scientific Reports.
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Durlabh Sarkar, registrar of the university, said, "It is a great achievement by Mandal and his team which will encourage students in this part of the world."
Lead scientist Mandal said, "As Bacillus ayatagriensis enters scientific literature, it stands as more than a promising tool for green agriculture. It becomes a symbol — of love, legacy and profound connections between scientific progress and human values."
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