Cellulose-degrading microbes of the genera Streptomyces sp. and Kitasatospora sp.
This collection comprises 21 filamentous bacterial strains belonging to the genera Streptomyces and Kitasatospora, isolated from agricultural soil with a history of compost application. The strains were selectively enriched and cultured on a minimal medium with carboxymethylcellulose as the sole carbon source. All isolates exhibited cellulolytic activity, forming halos in the Congo red assay, and a subset demonstrated filter paper degradation. The isolates grew optimally at 28 C, with visible colony formation within 24 hours and distinct Streptomyces-like morphological features developing after four days. Genomic and phenotypic analyses suggest diverse metabolic capabilities relevant to plant-microbe interactions and soil health.