Biodegradation of benzyl benzoate by Pseudomonas desmolyticum NCIM 2112

Commercial grade insecticides are supplemented with the chemical additives to enhance the insecticidal activity before the action of main insecticide commence. Benzyl benzoate is one of such additive used in the formulation of many insecticides. Due to deposition of such additive the soil and plant health get deteriorated. The present research work describes the biodegradation of benzyl benzoate by Pseudomonas desmolyticum NCIM 2112. The biodegradation was influenced by factors such as pH, temperature and other carbon and nitrogen sources. The optimum pH and temperature for biodegradation was found to be 7.0 and 30 °C respectively. It was more effective at 0.5 % glucose and lactose concentration and at 0.05 % NaNO₃ and peptone concentration. Pseudomonas desmolyticum NCIM 2112 degrades benzyl benzoate into compounds like benzaldehyde and benzoic acid which are nontoxic in nature. Phytotoxicity study shows no germination inhibition in presence of degraded metabolites.