Evaluation of Different Packaging Materials for Microbial Inoculants

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to study the influence of packaging materials on survival of microbial inoculants. Survival of Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bacillus megaterium and Pseudomonas fluorescens in lignite and talc formulations were monitored upto six month of storage in different packaging materials such as aluminium and polythene bag. Lignite based B. japonicum and B. megaterium recorded highest viable cells compared to talc based inoculants. B. japonicum and B. megaterium packed in polythene bag supported 100 % cells from the beginning to the end of storage period. Maximum viable cells of P. fluorescens recorded in talc formulation compared to lignite formulation. Survival of P. fluorescens was best in aluminium cover compared to polythene bag. Regarding to packaging materials, polythene bag was the best packaging material for B. japonicum and B. megaterium. Aluminium cover was the best for P. fluorescens. However, both packaging materials were not harmful for survival of microorganisms and maintain good viable cells as per the BIS standards up to 180 days of storage.