Molecular characterization of conjugative plasmids in pesticide tolerant and multi-resistant bacterial isolates from contaminated alluvial soil

► Bacteria were isolated from soil and identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. ► MICs of all the isolates were determined for pesticides and heavy metals. ► Bacterial isolates were tested for the presence of Inc group plasmids. ► DNA from bacteria and soil revealed the presence of IncP-specific sequences. ► IncP plasmids are responsible for transferring resistance genes among bacterial species.