Abstract:
Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is beneficial bacteria which are not only capable
in solubilizing organic phosphate into inorganic phosphate, but also producing cyanide
acid (HCN). HCN plays a role in controling weed growth. The objective of this research was to screen the potency of indigenous PSB isolated from peat soil in producting HCN.
The collections of PSB were subcultured in King’B broth. The ability of 152 isolates on
HCN production were tested qualitatively using filter paper soaked with picric acid and Na2CO3
. The result indicated that as many as 26 isolates (17.1%) were able to release various levels of HCN production based on the appearing of brown, dark brown, or
reddish brown colour on the filter paper
