D. K Usha and K. Kanimozhi
In the present investigation deals with the isolation and characterization of Azospirillum strains from paddy field rhizosphere soil of Thanjavur district .The Azospirillum strains were identified by morphological, physiological and biochemical characters.All the 10 Azospirillum strains were identified based on morphological character such as shape , temperature, pH and biochemical character such as IMViC,catalase,citrate,starch hydrolysis and urease test were studied. Out of 10 strains, selected the four strains (Azo 3,Azo 6,Azo8,and Azo 10 ) were highly tolerant upto 700mM .Based on this study saline tolerant strains of Azospirillum could be highly used to cultivation of paddy plant in coastal environment .