ISOLATION AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERISATION OF SACCHAROMYCES CERIVISAE FROM PALMWINE RESIDUE AS A POTENTIAL BIOFERTILZER

ABSTRACT Palm wine is a naturally fermented beverage derived from the sap of palm trees. It is traditionally consumed in many tropical regions and represents more than just cultural heritage. However, beyond its role as a beverage, microbiota of palm wine holds untapped agricultural potential, particularly as a biofertilizer. In light of rising costs and environmental impacts of synthetic fertilizers, finding low-cost, eco-friendly alternatives has become imperative. The aim of this study was first to isolate microorganism, characterize microbial isolate using ITS region and evaluate growth promoting properties of palmwine. The mineral composition of palmwine was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Also, the microbial isolates gotten from harvested palm wine were subjected to molecular identification using Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequencing while the effect of palmwine on cowpea seed germination (0%, 3%, 5%, and 10%) was laid out in complete randomized design. The results of the mineral composition revealed the presence of high potassium in the palmwine. Furthermore, cowpea seeds treated with 3–5% dilutions of palm wine exhibited significantly higher germination rates and greater early seedling vigor compared to untreated controls indicating the prospect of palmwine as a biofertilizer. Hence, molecular analyses confirmed the presence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the palm wine samples. Also the presence of nifH gene in Saccharomyces cerivisae was confirmed. The study provides insight on the potential of palm wine as a suitable bio-fertilizer and contains healthy microorganisms- saccaromyces cerevisae that may spur plant growth.