Molecular characterization of Nocardiopsis species from Didwana dry salt lake of Rajasthan, India

The genus Nocardiopsis is well known to produce secondary metabolites especially antibacterial bioactive compound. Isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds producing novel isolates from unusual habitats are crucial. The present study was aimed to explore Didwana dry salt lake of Rajasthan state in India for the isolation and characterization of actinomycetes. The isolated actinomycetes isolates were characterized based on culture characteristics, biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that all the five isolates inhabiting soil of the said dry salt lake of Didwana, Rajasthan belonged to four species of Nocardiopsis viz., N. synnemataformans, N. potens, N. prasina and N. dassonvillei subsp. albirubida. The molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequences was found accurate and robust. The phylogram generated through multiple sequence alignment of all the test isolates of Nocardiopsis revealed that the isolates aroused from a single branch and validated monophyletic association. The present study is the first report of exploring Nocardiopsis isolates from the dry salt lake. These characterized Nocardiopsis isolates isolated from Didwana dry salt lake habitat are novel stains and can be of significance in the detection and utilization of novel bioactive compounds.