Plate assay method
The Bacillus isolates were tested for amylase activity by
employing zone clearing technique Atlas et al. (1995)
using starch agar medium. The inoculated plates were
incubated at 37°C for two days. After incubation, the
zone of hydrolysis of starch was detected by flooding the
plates with iodine solution. The development of blue
colour indicated the presence of starch, while the areas
around the hydrolytic bacteria appeared clear.