Isolation of Endophytic Bacteria and its Commercial Application as PGP for Sustainable Agriculture to Improve Crop Yield

Abstract

Ghorpade SM, Gorwadkar VR, Kharmate AV

Background: Utilization of endophytic bacteria in order to increase productivity may be viable alternative to organic fertilizers. The goal is to reduce soil pollution and to preserve environment in the spirit of ecological agriculture. Any organism that at some part of its life cycle, colonize the internal plant tissues without causing any type of harm to the host plant are endophytes. Endophytes are known to promote plant growth and nutrient gain. They may improve the plant’s ability to tolerate various types of abiotic and biotic stresses, and enhance the resistance of plants to insects and pests. This study was carried out to isolate beneficial endophytic bacteria from various sources and to screen and identify plant growth promoting activities of isolated bacteria. Further to study field effects of best found endophytic bacterial isolates and its commercial application. Sources were collected from different regions of Maharashtra such as Geolife Research Farm Pune, Mangrove leaves from Mumbai, Khopoli ghat and examined for their bacterial diversity. Isolated bacteria subjected for various tests such as Indole Acetic Acid production, Ammonia production, Hydrogen Cyanide production, Antibiotic resistance and sensitivity assay, Proteolytic and Amylolytic activities, etc.

Results: In total 34 bacterial isolates were obtained from five different source. Some isolates were found to exhibit multiple beneficial characteristics to promote plant growth. Among them isolate number E14 has shown maximum production of IAA, same isolate also found positive for ammonia production and HCN production. Whereas isolate number E23 obtained from mangrove leaves is showing maximum nitrogen 12.6mg, positive for Ammonia & HCN production and also showing positive results for Amylolytic and Proteolytic activities.

Conclusion: According to field results, the interaction between plant and endophytes can promote plant immunity and play a significant role in sustainable agriculture. Endophytes displaying beneficial traits that can be exploited in agriculture biotechnology.

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