Molecular analyses of β-glucosidase diversity and function in soil

► Real-time PCR tool for detecting β-glucosidase genes in soil has been developed for the first time. ► Narrow range of bacteria capable of processing cellobiose in soil. ► Versatile enzyme action in the organisms selected by soil amendment with specific carbon sources. ► Soil Pseudomonas putida contains at least three proteins exhibiting β-glucosidase activity.