Isolation of a novel cyanophage infecting potentially bloom-forming Limnothrix sp

Abstract

A filamentous cyanobacterium, identified as Limnothrix sp. VL01, and a novel lytic cyanophage 'Φ L-VL01' that infects it, were isolated from a shallow freshwater lake located in Goa, India. Cyanophage-infected Limnothrix sp. VL01 demonstrated reduced growth and increased fragmentation of filaments, compared to uninfected control. Limnothrix sp. is known to form blooms in freshwater lakes. 'Φ L-VL01' could be a significant agent in controlling such blooms.