Research Symposium-2012

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Comparison of Efficacy of Natural Yeast Cell Wall Polysaccharides (Antigen®) Against Commonly Used Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Broiler Diets in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Adikari, A.A.S.Y; Priyankarage, N; Silva, S.S.P; Nambapana, N.M.N.N
Antibiotics have been widely used in animal production for decades in order to obtain high level of production and efficient feed utilization. Even though antibiotic growth promoters show positive effect on the performance of the livestock, use of antibiotics as growth promoters has caused some concerns in public health sectors. Transmission and the proliferation of resistant bacteria via the food chain and presence of harmful residues are the major concerns (Gunal et al., 2006) since Scandinavia and European Union have imposed a ban (Castanon, 2007). The need for developing alternatives is realized and many research studies have been started to identify suitable alternative feed additives that would reduce bacteria penetration and colonization in poultry and perform the same characteristics as the antibiotics. Many such as probiotics, prebiotics, exogenous enzymes and organic acids have been used with some success. Amongst many, yeast cell wall polysaccharides found to be consumer friendly alternative but the efficacy will vary with environment, management practices and feed. No comparative studies have been done in Sri Lanka. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of an alternative, natural yeast cell wall polysaccharides which are having high affinity binders that can bind competitively to bacteria and prevent there binding to bowel cells, to colonize and caused infection. In the study that was compared with the commonly used antibiotic growth promoters in Sri Lanka
Comparison of Integrated Pest Management Strategies in Different Tea Growing Countries with Special Reference to Pesticide Residue Monitoring
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Hewanainbikanda, C.S.; Mohotti, K.M.; Gunathilaka, R. P. D.
Tea (Camellia sinensis(L)0.Kuiitze) is an intensively managed perennial monoculture crop cultivated on large and small scale plantations situated between altitudes 4l'N and 16'S. Tea plants are attacked by several pests and diseases and also invaded by numerous species of weeds, which compete with tea plants for moisture and nutrients. Hence to augment the productivity of tea and to protect the plaiits froi i pests and diseases, it is necessary to adopt plant protection measure using synthetic chemicals. Tea is the secondly most consumed beverage in the world. Tea is considered as a ‘health beverage’ due to its antioxidant properties and resultant beneficial effects on human health. Such beverage should be free from toxic elements such as pesticide residues and heavy metals. To obtain a clear idea about pesticide residues in tea, it is imponant to understand the situation about pests, pesticide usage and Integrated Pest management (IPM) strategies in leading tea growing countries. Also it has been recognized as important for all the stakeholders in the tea industry by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) /IntergovernmentaI Group on Tea (IGG).
Comparison of Two Species of Ascid Mites as a Food Source for Heoseiulus Bairiki: A Predatory Mite of Coconut Mite, Aceria guerreronis
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Kaushala, E.A.N.; Aratchige, N.S,; Wijayaratne, D. K. W.
Coconut mite, Acei’ia guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Erioph yidae), is a major pest of coconut fruits (Cocos nucifera L..) (Lawson—Balagbo et a!., 2008) causing 30-60% loss of production (Nair, 2002). Coconut mite is difficult to control due to its hidden habitat under the perianth and tall stature of the coconut free. Chemical control is impractical, uneconomical, and environmentally not sounds (Navia el at., 2012). Release of the predatory mite Neoseinlus barai‹i at 3-4 month intervals at 5000 mites per palm for at least a quarter of the plantation is recommended. For tft is, mass production of N. baraI‹i is necessary. Tyrophagiis pulrescenliae is used as the food source for N. baraki. A new Tyrophagiisp. which can be a host for N. baraki has also been observed, but the efficacy of this new species has not been evaluated. There Fore the objectives of this study were to compare the oviposition, developmental times, longevity and sex ratio of N.baraki on r. pulrcscenliac and new Tyropha$us sp. and to quantify the mass production of N.baraki on the two Tyrophagus sp.
Determinants of Exit of Barn Owners from Flue Cured Tobacco Farming in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Abeysekara, N.N.R.; Jayamanna, G.G.M. D.T.; Abeysekara, N.N.R.; Jayamanna, G.G.M. D.T.
Tobacco is a well-known cash crop cultivated in different areas and it contributes more to the Sri Lankan agriculture. Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC) is the monopoly holder of the cigarette tobacco business in Sri Lanka. There are two types of cigarette tobacco termed as air cured tobacco and flue cured tobacco. Flue cured tobacco is cured through heat stream while air cured tobacco is cured from air. The success of the business depends on the relationship between the CTC and the barn owners. Barn owners are the people who have direct contact with the CTC and they have barns to cure tobacco leaf. When consider the barn owners, their state of functionality (weather they continuously function-CF, Random Function -RF or Exit -EX) towards the business is a considerable factor to be studied. When analyzing the data base of barn owners’ involvement to the business, it can be revealed that, even though there is a better accountability for cigarette tobacco production in the existing business context, considerable percentage of registered barn owners are exit from the business. The objective of the study is to find out the determinants of the exit of the barn owners from flue cured tobacco farming
Development and Leaf Area Consumption Rate of Two-Color Coconut Leaf Beetle PIesispa reichei OH Selected Coconut Leaf Stages
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Bentharage, B.D.C.D.; Aratchige, N.S; Suwadarathna, N.I.; Wijayarstne, L.K.W .
Plesispa beetle (Plesispo reichei Chapuis) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an important pest of coconut in Sri Lanka. This pest was first reported in 1991 From Gampaha district and is believed to have been accidentally introduced to Sri Lanka (Anon, \ 999). Plesispa reichei mainly infests coconut seedlings. Seldom infestations on mature coconut palms could occur. Little information is available on the biology and feeding habit of this insect species. The objectives of this study were to determine the egg production, incubation period, egg hstchability and developmental times of larval instars of P. re/r /Tel on selected leaf stages under room temperature, and to determine the most suitable coconut lead stsge For the mass rearing of larvae and adults of Plesispa reichei under laboratory conditions.
Development of a Jelly Product Using Kesi-pissan (Cyclea burmanni) Leaf Extract
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Herath, H.M.C .N.; Ekanayake, S.; Mahindarathne, M.G.P. P.
Kesi-pissan, Cyclea burmanni (syn. Clypea burmannii) is a vine belongs to family Menispermaceae, and its leaf extracts has the ability to produce an edible gel. Kesi-pissan vine is distributed in Indian sub-continent. In Sri Lanka, this vine can be found in the wet zone (Jayaweera, 1982). The edible gel produced by Kesi-pissan leaf extract has been traditionally used by local people as a Food. This plant has tiany important medicinal properties. In indigenous medicine, this gel is used specifically to treat gastritis and also to give coolness to the body. This plant has expectorant properties, anti-infertility properties, ability to promote the production of sperms and breast milk and is used as a diuretic (Wijesinghe, 1994). Jelly is a product prepared from a suitable ingredient and practically free from suspended fruit particles; mixed with a carbohydrate sweetener and processed co a semi solid consistency (Ranganna, 1986). Four substances such as pectin, acid, sugar and water arc necessary for the preparation of jelly. In this research, a jelly product was developed using Kesi-pissan leaf extract and fruit pieces were incorporated to the jelly.
Development of a Kurakkan (Eluesine coracana) Incorporated Low Fat Chicken Sausage
(Uva Wellassa University, 2012) Weerasinghe, B.M.P; Wijesundara, W.M.N.M; Samaraweera, A.M; Ekanayaka, K
The consumers' demand for low-fat or calorie products has significantly increased recently in an attempt to limit health problems, to lose or stabilize their weight, and to work within the frame of a healthier diet. The present study has been conducted to improve the nutritional and healthy value of traditional sausage production by incorporating Kurakkan or finger millet into low fat chicken sausage. Finger Millet contains amino acids, Lecithin and Methionine which help in bringing down cholesterol level by eliminating excess fat from Liver (Sivasankar, 2003). Its slow digestion indicates low blood sugar levels after a finger millet diet thereby reacting as a safer food, for diabetics (Kumari and Sumathi, 2002). Hence in this study attempts are made to develop a finger millet based sausage for the benefit of health concerned consumers
Development of Protocol for in vitro Propagation of Gladiolus
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Liyanage, L.P.H.; Jayasinghe, H.A.S.L.J; Alwis, L.M.H.R.
Gladiolus, the queen of bulbous flowers belonging to family lridiaceaeis one of the most important and popular cut flower. Gladiolus occupies the first place in the international floriculture trade (Ghanie/ at. 2008). Gladiolus has long lasting flower stalks, attractive colors and numerous forms which make its higher consumer demand in the market. In Sri Lanka, only few farmers have tended to cultivate gladiolus as a commercial crop. Due to high vulnerability to the diseases and pests and unavailability of high quality disease free planting materials, flower growers dis-incline to cultivate gladiolus in their fields. Therefore, mass production of high quality planting materials and continuous supply are essential to promote the gladiolus cultivation in Sri Lanka. Gladiolus is vegetative propagated by corms and cormlets, which is a time consuming method due to very slow rate of mu Itiplication and disease factors (Torabi-Giglou and Hajieghrari. 2008). la vitro propagation methods become a viable alternative to the conventional propagation methods and are widely used for producing high quality disease free planting materials. There Fore, present study was undertaken to develop a protocol for lit vitro propagation of gladiolus by studying the effect of sterility and different hormone combinations for direct and indirect organogenesis
Effect of Herbal Methionine Supplementation on Feet Intake, Weight Gain and Feed Conversion Ratio of Broiler Chicken
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Nanayakkara, K.G. M. D; B u lu mulla, P. B. A. L. K; Gu nath ilake, C
The broiler industry has developed all over the world during past few decades and the production of poultry meal and other products leave been significantly increased in Sri Lanka with the last few years. The requirement of nutrients for broilers is higher than the other livestock animals. One of the most important areas is amino acid nutrition. Of the essential amino acids required for poultry, methionine is usually first limiting in diets based on maize and soya bean meal. It is more economical to add methionine than more soda bean real or other natural protein to meet the requirement (Holder and Roy, 2007). Methionine is an indispensable amino acid, must be supplied in the diet of the chicken, as the poultry birds are unable to synthesise it in the amounts necessary to sustain life and growth the supplementation of broiler feeds with this amino acid is very common in the poultry industry. However, synthetic Methionine is metabolized into higtily toxic compounds such as methyl propionate, trim ethylamine there by adversely altering the performance of poultry birds (Ha I der and Roy, 2007). Recently the use of synthetic Methionine has been questioned and their use is becoming restricted in many regions of the world. Therefore, there is renewed interest in developing natural alternative suppliants to in an intern an into I performance and wellbeing. Herbal Methionine is a unique poultry feed supplement, which contains Methionine in a natural and bio active form as a readily digestible composition along with the enzyme activity (Kanduri and others, (2011). Herbal Methionine as a source of ‘active Methionine’ is c fainted to be effective in its optimum activity for proper broiler accretion and other functions in poultry birds so that they can reach better growth and performance potential (Halder and Roy, 2007). Methionine deficiency leads to poor feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and retarded growth in chicken. In this experiment a comparative study on the performance of coi11mercial broiler chicks (Hubbard Flex) bed a ration with DL- n4elhioninc and fed with DL Methionine was carried out.
Effect of K on Competition Between Weedy Rice and Cultivated Rice
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Ekanayake, S.I.; Abeysekara, A.S.K.; Mapa, R.B.
Weedy rice is one of the troublesome weedy types associated with the yield reduction of rice. It is found all over the rice growing areas in the world. Fertilizer management is the key factor towards achieving high productivity in rice cultivation.N itrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are the most important plant nutrient in rice cultivation. Growth parameters, yield components and yield of cultivated rice and recovery efficiency of N, P, and K fertilizers are shown to be affected due to competition of weedy rice. Kodituwakku and Abeysekera (201 1) showed that weedy rice completes for soil K than soil N and P. Not much information is available about the competition by weedy rice in Asian region. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find the most effective potassium (K) level that has the least competition upon cultivated rice by weedy rice for K.
Effect of Targa (R) Super (Quizalofop-P-ethyl) Against Weeds in Chili Cultivation in Manner District
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Narmatha, T.E.; Wijayaratne, L.K.W.; Kiri waththuduwage, S.
Chili(Copxicum onnum L.) is one of the most valuable casf› crops gi own in Sri Lanka, and an important condiment and a culinary supplement. A. large extent of chilli cultivation is prominent in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, especially in Mannar, Jaffna and Vavuniya districts. The annual national chilli production has decreased over the years, and more than 30,000 t is imported annually to meet the shonfall (Department of Agriculture, 20 12). Weeds are a major problem in chilli cultivation, and one reason for this is the poor competition of chilli plants with weeds (Gonza’ lez and Salas, I999).So the productivity of chilli depends largely on weed flee condition.Both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weeds are reported in chilli (Gonza’ lezer o/., 1 992). They compete for nutrients, moisture, sunlight and spsce during both the vegetative and reproductive stages of the crop (Singh, 2009), causing field losses from 30 (Mofimoode/ at., 2006) to 78%« (VedPrakashe/ at., 2003). Herbicide application is an efficient method of managing weeds. Mostly pre- emergence herbicides have been used to control weeds in chilli cultivation (Muthussnkaranarayananer o/. , 1997; t'•larasalagi, 999; Adigun, 200 I; Frost and Hingston, 2004), and it is the same condition in Sri Lanka, as well. But in chilli cultivation, late- emergence weeds areassvere problem (Singh e/ o/., 1 993), and the managemenc of these weeds is critical to increase the crop yield (Singh, 2009). Targa‹BSuper (Quizalofop-P-ethyl) is a new post-emergence, systemic herbicide, which controls grasses and shows excellent selectivity over non-graminaceous crops (The Pennsylvania State University, 2007).This product is used on the crop plantations at 20 to 30 days are establishment (Technology Commercialization, 2012), and hence will be effective at controlling even late emergent grass weeds. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 'Targa Super' against weeds in chilli cultivation and to compare its elTect with the pre-emergence herbicide, Stomp.
Fumigant and Contact Toxicity of Tithonia Diversifolia (Hems!), Tagetes erecta, Helliunthus Annus and Bidens Sulphurea against Tribolium Castaneum (Herbst)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Premarathna, V.L.; Henagamage, A.P.; Karunathilake, A.A.K.; Hapuarachchi, H.A.C.S.
Since Sri Lanka is a developing and agriculture based country, it is crucial to minimize the post harvest losses in order to increase the national income. Post-harvest deterioration is principally caused by biological spoilage organisms including insects, fungi and small vertebrates (Golob et al., 2002). The huge post-harvest losses and quality deterioration caused by insects and pests are major problems of assuring food security in developing countries. Therefore, effective and efficient controlling methods are required to eliminate this problem. Control of these insects and pests relies heavily on the use of synthetic insecticides and fumigants. But their widespread use has led to some serious problems including development of insect strains resistant to insecticides, toxic residues, on stored grain, toxicity to consumer and increasing costs of application (Jbilou., 2006). Therefore, the development of bio insecticides has been focused along with an urgent need for safe but effective biodegradable pesticides for a low cost. This study was undertaken to screen the contact toxicity and the fumigant toxicity of Targetes erects, Bidens sulphurea, Helianthus annuus and Tithonia diversifolia which are highly abundant and underutilized herbaceous plants in Sri Lanka against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). This method can be used as a cost effective, environmental friendly and efficient method to develop a bio insecticide as a value added product for grain storage pests.
Identification and Characterization of Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria Grown on Old Mica Heaps
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Dassanayake, D.L.K.L.M.; Wijesekara, K.B.
Plants basically supplement nutrient requirements from soil. However, when cultivated in agricultural setup soil nutrient availability could be a limiting factor. In such situations it may be necessary to supplement nutrients additionally with agro fertilizers which incur large expenses to the farmer. Use of agro fertilizers in large amounts could results in environmental problems. Potassium is a key element that affects plant growth and potassium containing fertilizers are relatively expensive when compared to other forms of agro fertilizer. Mica is a rich natural source of potassium and mica processing, mainly for overseas market, produces large amount of decayed mica which is of no economic value. Mica could naturally release potassium to soil upon long term microbial degradation yet the process is low. Release of mica by microbial degradation could be expedited by the use of specific microbes that favor the release of potassium (Sugumaran, and Janarathanam, 2007; Archana, 2007). These microbes are naturally present associated with old and discarded Mica heaps from which some virulent strains can be isolated (Basak and Biswas, 2008). These strains have the potential to be used as inoculants with decayed mica which could serve as a bio fertilizer. This study aims at isolation and characterization of potassium leaching bacteria associated with old and discarded mica heaps and to investigate their potassium leaching potential on Biotite and Phlogopite Mica.
Identification of Clonal Differences of Rubber (Heven brasiliensis muell. Arg.) Based on Photosynthetic Parameters
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Sandamali, N.D.A.; Senevirathna, A.M.W.K; Alwis, L.M.H.R.
The rubber tree (He»ea brasiliensis muell.Arg.) is indigenous to the tropical rain forests in Brazil (Thomas and Panikkar, 2000). It is the only major commercial source of natural rubber (T'J R). In commercial plantations, the economic like span of rubber tree is about 30 years. In Sri Lanka, the rubber industry provides remarkable benefits to increase the living standards of human being as sinii far to other rubber growing countries. Ac the beginning of the commercial plantations, seedlings were used as planting materials (Panikkar e/ at., 1 980). Panikkar e/ at., (1980) and Seneviratne e/ at., ( 1 998) showed high variation among Individuals in such plantations. However, to avoid * 8I1 variation in plantations Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka has introduced about fourty five rubber clones at present, i.e. RRIC 100 series, RRISL 200 series, ftRlSL 2000 series etc, A long time period is needed to develop, test and release a clone of rubber. Also the growth and yield of the tree vary according to the clone. Photosynthetic and growth parameters are important characters which affect the crop productivity. Carbohydrate is the main product of process of the photosynthesis and subsequently a part of these assirilates are converted into polyisoprene which is the NR o£ rubber latex. The photosynthetic parameters can also be changed due to type of the clone. Correlations can be exist between selected characteristics of the immature plants with the pet formai1ce of mature plants of the same clone. I£ mature tree performance can be Forecast Iron immature trees, it will l1elp to reducing period spent on the clonal evaluation program. There Fore, the present study was carried out to identification of clonal differences of rubber based on photosynthetic parameters that is very much important to develop early detection criteria for rubber clone.
Identification of Drought Tolerance Accessions of Tea (Camellia Sinensis) in Uva Region of Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Rasith, M.J.A.; Damayanthi, M.M.N.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.
Droughts are one of the major and ever present threats that adversely effect on the plant growth and yield all over the world (Stephens and Carr, 1989). Plant water stress, caused by drought has major impact on plant growth and development. Growth of tea is also adversely affected by the plant water deficits created by lack of soil moisture (Smith, et al., 1994). Drought causes the losses to the tea industry. Planting of drought tolerant cultivars is the most efficient solution to maintain the productivity. Hence this study attempted to identify drought tolerant ability of TAI 5000 series accessions that can be grown in Uva region.
Improvement of Micro-tuber Production Protocol for Potato Variety Granola To Increase Quality and Quantity of Micro-tubers
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Gunasingha, K.R.S.S.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Kumari, H.M.P.S.; Samanthi, I.A.
Potato (Solonuin luberosuin L.) is a starchy tuberous crop which belongs to the family solanaceae. Granola is a German potato variety with a high yielding and medium maturity and is recommended to grow in Sri Lanka by Department of Agriculture. In vitro induction of micro-tubers is a one type of micro propagation approach of potatoes. in vitro micro- tuberization of potato constitutes the transitory phase between in vitro multiplication end establishment of cultures in the field. They are considered as the miniature seed potatoes which represented an intermediary phase between "in vi/ro” plantlets and mini-tubers (Andreena & Champeanu, 2010). They are also called as the first generation of potsto seeds from tissue culture (Struik and Wiersena, 1999). /n vitro tuberization found to be controlled by a number of physical and chemical Factors including groMfi regulators, carbon source, photoperiod, culture conditions and genotype.(Hussey and Stacey, I984;Seabrook e/aI., 1993). Among those conditions, sucrose used as the carbohydrate and BAP (6- Benzylaminopurine) acts as the first generation synthetic cytokinins that elicit plant growth and development responses. Therefore, this study was carried out to improve the protocol for microtuber production to increase quality and quantity.
Induced Biochemical Defence Mechanisms in Tea against Blister Blight
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Samarasekara, L. A. A. S.; Chandrasena, G.; Sinniah, G.D.
Blister blight is the major and most destructive leaf disease in tea that caused by Exobasidium vexans, fungi. II is a poly-cycle disease. The pa1hogeM completes its like cycle in I I -28 days (Gadd el al., 1948). There are no tea cultivars which have been found to acquire complete resistance ło the disease. Tea cultivars in Sri Lanka have been categorized in to resistant and susceptible (Balasooriya el al. , 1996). Appropriate control measures are vital for the survival of the plant. Chemical fungicides are sprayed at recommended intervals throughout the disease season and an average of 24-28 rounds of fungicides spray is required to keep the disease under control (Ajay el ni., 2009). The large scale applications of fungicides pollute the environment and their residues can cause various health hazards to the human beings. An alternative strategy is to understand the tea plants induced biochemical defense mechanisms exploiting natural defenses against blister blight and using them in disease management. This approach would be an enyironmen1 friendly, sustainable approach.
Investigation of Factors Affecting Agricultural Insurance Demand in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Thennakoon, T.M.M.P.; Gunaratne, Y.M.C.
Sri Lanka, like most of the countries in the Asian region has an agricultural economy and plays an important role in the nation's economy and social developn. ;pit. Though we had the self-sufficient economy in the past, today in most of the time the development of the country depends upon the commercial agriculture. It has become the backbone of the development of our country. Thus, central bank annual report has proved the contribution of Agriculture to Sri Lankan Gross Domestic Product (GDP)in 11.9% and source of er1.ployment for more than 32% of the Sri Lankan population (Central bank Annual Report, 2010). In that context, as a developing country, Agriculture has gained the most prominent position in Sri Lanka. However, annual losses in Agricultural sector are huge in Sri Lanka due to unexpected bad weather, adverse prices of agricultural production, damages from insects and other various diseases. If the farmers come across with huge losses, they are helpless and always looking for a financial assistant from an external party. All over the world, the use of Agricultural Insurance as a risk management tool has grown rapidly in recent years (Munich Re, 2009),In most of the countries, this kind of insurance policy was introduced almost four decades ago. In Sri Lanka, even though we have a great history, Agricultural Insurance is still not so popular (Poverty Portal Report,2010). Therefore, this research aims at an investigation of factors affecting the demand of agricultural insurance in Sri Lanka.
Isolation of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria for Production of Biofertilizer
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Priyadarshani, G.V.G.; Chandrasena, G.; Keerthipala, A.P.
Phosphorus is one of the essential nutrients for plant growth. It is classified as a major nutrient, meaning that it is frequently deficient for crop production and is required by crops in relatively large amounts for optimum growth and reproduction (Gyaneshwar, et al., 2002;). A greater part of soil phosphorus, approximately 95-99%, is present in the form of insoluble phosphates, due to its fixation with Fe and Al especially in acidic and aerobic soil conditions (Vassileva, et al., 1998). To increase the availability of phosphorus to plants, large amounts of fertilizer are used regularly. But after application, a large proportion of fertilizer phosphorus is quickly transformed into insoluble form. Therefore, very little percentage of the applied phosphorus is used, making continuous application necessary (AbdAlla, 1994). The principle mechanism for mineral phosphate solubilization is the production of organic acids (FNCA, 2006). There are some species of bacteria which have the potential to solubilize organic and inorganic phosphorous in soil. Strains from the genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Rhizobiutn are among the most powerful phosphate solubilizers (Qurbanet al., 2012). Application of Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria into the field has been reported to increase crop yield (Toro et al., 1994). The aim of this study was isolation of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria available in natural environments for the production of biofertilizer and investigating the possibility of utilizing sugar industry distillery spent wash as a carrier medium for the biofertilizer
Microbial Aided Leaching of Potassium from Sri Lankan Feldspar
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Dissanayake, D.M.S.; Wijesekara, K.B.; Attanayake, A.N.B.
Potassium is an essential major plant nutrient and also a non-renewable resource. It plays a vital role in plant nutrition. Majority of the soils of the world are too low in available potassium for production of good yields. Potassium containing agrochemicals remains relatively expensive and supplementing potassium deficiency with agro fertilizers is costly. The uses of alternative indigenous resources such as feldspar and mica which are potassium rich naturally occurring minerals are gaining importance against costly agro fertilizers (Badr et al., 2006). Certain groups of microorganisms including bacteria such as Bacillus mucilaginosus and fungi like Aspergillus niger are known to solubilize potassic minerals into soluble form which can be utilized by the plants (Lin et al. 2002; Han, and Lee, 2006). Microbes can enhance mineral dissolution rate by producing and excreting metabolic by products that interact with mineral surface (Barker et al., 1998). Combination of potassic rock minerals with potassium solubilizing microorganisms could constitute a biofertiziler which provides a sustainable solution to improve plant nutrition and production. This study investigates the potassium solubilizing effect of Bacillus mucilaginosus, Bacillus cereus, and Aspergillus from Sri Lankan potassic rock mineral feldsfar.

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