Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Discovery of Indigenous Methane-Eating Bacteria
Scientists from the MACS Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in India have discovered the country’s first indigenous methane-eating bacteria, known as methanotrophs, in rice fields and wetlands of Western India, particularly in Pune’s stone quarry at Vetal Tekdi.
New Genus and Species Identified
The research team, led by Dr. Monali Rahalkar, identified a novel genus and species of methanotrophs, named Methylocucumis oryzae, marking a significant advancement in understanding methane-oxidizing bacteria.
Methane’s Environmental Impact
Methane is the second most significant greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential 26 times greater than carbon dioxide. It is produced in environments like wetlands, rice fields, and landfills, where methanogens are active.
Role of Methanotrophs in Methane Reduction
Methanotrophs, such as Methylocucumis oryzae, help reduce atmospheric methane levels by oxidizing the gas, thereby playing a crucial role in mitigating its contribution to global warming.
Unique Characteristics of Methylocucumis oryzae
Methylocucumis oryzae is characterized by its oval and elongated shape, leading to its nickname “methane-eating cucumbers.” It is phylogenetically unique, with no similar strains found elsewhere in the world.
Impact on Rice Cultivation
This methanotroph has been shown to promote the growth of rice plants, particularly the high-yielding Indrayani variety, by inducing early flowering and increasing grain yield. However, its slow growth rate poses challenges for large-scale application.
Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of Methylocucumis oryzae is particularly important for future climate change research and mitigation efforts, offering a potential biological solution for reducing atmospheric methane.
Future Research and Applications
The research, published in the Indian Journal of Microbiology and other scientific journals, highlights the need for further studies to optimize culture conditions and explore large-scale applications of this unique methanotroph in climate mitigation strategies.
