In vitro evaluation of soil microbial flora to the application of Triazophos

Triazophos (Hostathion 40% EC), an organophosphate pesticide is extensively sprayed on various crops like paddy, cotton, maize and vegetables to control lepidopterans but its overuse has resulted in disturbing the population and activity of beneficial microbial community in soil. Its accumulation in soil causes environmental pollution and thus threat to human health. This paper reports variable response of soil microbial flora to in vitro application of triazophos. Fungi and actinomycetes count was found to be significantly affected by triazophos treatment (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 500 and 1000 ppm) as compared to control. Bacterial population (phosphate solubilising bacteria, Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp.) on the other hand was not much affected by the treatment implying more efficient utilization of bacteria in future for bioaugmentation technologies.