Isolation and Characterization of Bacterial Endophytes from Ramie (Boehmeria nivea)

Abstract

Endophytic bacteria provide several advantages to the host plant by promoting growth as well as conferring resistance against pathogens and toxic compounds. More than 90% of the cultivation of ramie [Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaud] is contributed by China. In our study, 265 isolates of bacterial endophytes were obtained from ramie plants. The isolates were then subjected to PCR-based screening. Four endophytic bacterial phyla were identified using 16S rDNA sequencing. The identified dominant microorganisms were Janibacter melonis, Moraxella, and Bacillus pumilus in the root, stem, and leaf, respectively. The results suggest that these endophytes isolated from the ramie have the potential to act as biocontrol agents against pathogens such as Sclerotinia, Colletotrichum, and Phytophthora. However, further study is required to examine the potential application of bacterial endophytes, particularly as biological control agents.