R. ANANDBABU AND A. YOGAMOORTHI
Abstract
Scanning electron microscopic studies on the ultra structure of bacterial colonies on aerial roots revealed that the surface of the pneumatophores of Avicennia marina are densely colonised by clusters of Staphylococcus sp, chains of Streptococcus sp and Filamentous cyanobacteria. The main function of the bacterial colonies is to facilitate nutrient recycling and promote plant growth. These bacterial colonies also function as a major mechanism for recycling and conservation of essential nutrients in the mangrove ecosystems.