In this study, 29 isolates of actinomycetes were isolated from soil samples collected in the area of various localities of Haridwar region. These isolates were tested for their antagonistic properties against test organisms Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcesens, and Escherichia coli. Some of these actinomycetous strains exhibited antimicrobial activity against bacteria. All such isolates were selected for detailed morphological, cultural, physiological and biochemical studies for identification. Thirteen of these were identified as members belonging to the genus Streptomycetes, nine belong to genus Nocardia and the remaining seven belong to the genus Micromonospora. The study indicated that ‘Haridwar’ soil had diverse group of actinomycetes and three of the tested isolates had a broader spectrum antibacterial activity which showed potential as a source of antibiotics of pharmaceutical interest.

Keywords: Actinomycetes, antibacterial activity, bacteria, identification.