Characterization and Identification of Tef (Eragrostis tef) Seed Endophytic Bacterial Species and Evaluate their Effect on Plant Growth Promotion

Abstract

In the present day there is no report on characterization and identification of bacterial endophytes isolated from tef (Eragrostis tef) seeds. This study was conducted to screen, identify, and characterize bacterial endophytes isolated from tef seeds germplasm repository and determine if the bacterial provided plant growth promotion. Nine endophytic bacterial species were identified from 83 tef seed accessions using a Biolog microbial identification system, which utilize 95 different carbon sources. Eight of the identified bacterial species could produce amylase, seven of the species could solubilize phosphate and six of the bacteria could degrade cellulose. All the bacteria were shown to enhance growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum) under laboratory condition. Pseudomonas stutzeri, Rhizobium radiobacter, Bacillus butanolivorans, Pseudomonas putida biotype B, Enterobacter cowanii, Pantoea dispersa, Enterobacter cloacae ss dissolvens, Serratia ficaria and Pantoea agglomerans significantly increased mean root dry mass of inoculated Triticum aestivum up to 9.8%, 9.3%, 8.1%, 7.9%, 7.7%, 7.5%, 7%, 6.9% and 5.5% respectively and increase the mean shoot dry mass of Triticum aestivum up to 29%, 25%, 23%, 26%, 23%, 20%, 22% and 19% respectively. In addition, several seed endophytic bacterial species exhibited tolerance to salinity up to 6% and only Bacillus butanolivorans tolerated salinity up to 15% and temperature up to 60°C, this suggested the potential for possible application under stressed environmental conditions and possible utility as bioinoculant for maintaining sustainable agricultural production and productivity without affecting human health.

Characterization of PGPR isolated from rhizospheric soils of various plant and its effect on growth of radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

“…The result show that 11 isolates were positive for protease production, 8 isolates were positive for HCN, and 7 isolates produced siderophore (Table 2). Hydrolytic enzymes (chitinase, glucanase, lipase, and proteases) have function as agents for plant diseases prevention by instigating lysis of pathogenic microbes in plants [48]. It has been reported that PGPR which produce one or more of those lytic enzymes have exhibited biocontrol ability against a number of plant pathogenic fungi.…”

Qualitative In Vitro Evaluation of Plant Growth Promoting Activity of Selected Microbial Isolates Used for Biofertilizer Application

“…These enzymes contribute to the destruction of pathogenic microbes cell wall and degradation of lignocellulotic waste. PGP microrganisms producing this lytic enzme have been proven to demonstrate biocontrol properties against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria and fungi and ultimately increase crop yield [24].The degradation of lignocellulose is mainly accomplished by producing two types of extracellular enzyme systems: hydrolytic and oxidative catalytic systems. Microorganism responsible for the degradation of lignocellulose include species of bacteria (for example; Clostridium, Cellulomonas, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Fibribacter, Ruminococcus, Butyrivibrio) and fungi (for example: Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Neurospora, Penicillium).…”

Isolation and biochemical characterization of Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) bacteria colonizing the rhizosphere of Tef crop during the seedling stage

“…Hydrolytic enzymes act as agents for prevention of plant diseases by causing lysis of pathogenic microbes in the close vicinity of the plant as they secrete increased level of cell wall lytic enzymes (chitinase, glucanase, lipase, and proteases) [1]. In this study, 15.5 % isolates (P. aeruginosa, C. amlonaticus, P. corrugota, P. fuscovaginae, C. gleum and B. cereus/pseudomycoide), were positive for protease production, 9.5 % isolates (P. luorescent biotype G, P. corrugata, F. mizutai and B. cereus) were positive for cellulase production, 4 % isolates (E. cloacae ss disolvens, P. corrugata, F. mizutai, and K. oxytoca) were positive for amylase production, and 3.5% isolates (P. luorescent) were positive for chitin production.…”

“…Tef (Eragrostis tef) is an indigenous cereal crop of Ethiopia and it has been cultivated for thousands of years in Ethiopian high lands. It is a daily staple food for about 50 million inhabitants accounting for 14% of all calories consumed [1]. It is used to make injera, a delicious traditional fermented pancake.…”

“…Its straw is highly valued and used as feed for animals [2] in addition; the straw is incorporated with mud to reinforce and used for plastering walls of houses. Nutritionally tef's grain contains14-15% protein, 72.1-75.2% complex carbohydrate, and 2% fat [1]. For human health, the bene it of tef is the high iber content of the grain.…”