The distribution of blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) from the paddy fields of Patan and Karad tehsils of Satara District, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The distribution pattern of blue-green algae was studied from paddy fields of Patan and Karad tehsils in relation to physico-chemical properties of soil, viz., pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon %, available N, P, and K. Paddy field soil samples of 38 localities from Patan and 28 localities from Karad were analysed. One-hundred-and-thirty-seven species belonging to 35 genera of 10 families from three orders were encountered from paddy field soils of both the tehsils. Out of 66 soil samples 93.65% samples showed occurrence of unicellular, heterocystous and non heterocystous forms while 6.34% soil samples showed only non heterocystous forms. Anabaena and Oscillatoria were found to be of common occurrence. Significant variation was not observed in distribution pattern of blue-green algal forms in relation to physico-chemical properties during successive surveys.

Keywords

• cyanobacteria, blue green algae, physicochemical parameters, patan, karad.