Abstract

The taxonomic and ecological positions of antibiotic producing actinomycetes are an integral part in antimicrobial agents’ development program. Comprehensive understanding of the organisms give useful insight on the secondary metabolites been produced by them and other activities carried out by them in their habitat. Criteria for the identification of actinomycetes include morphological, physiological, ecological and molecular characterization. It is vital to identify the organism up to species level, since this will give an indication whether the antimicrobial agent being produced is novel or not. The suborder and habitat also act as pointers for possible secondary metabolites production and confer the need for further exploration.

Key words: Taxonomy, ecology, actinomycetes, antimicrobial agents, characterization.