Diversity of root endophytic bacteria from maize seedling involved in biocontrol and plant growth promotion.

Background: Native endophytes from maize could play a vital role in plant protection and growth promotion. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of soil types and different maize varieties on culturable endophytic bacterial diversity and to use potential endophytes as biocontrol agents and plant growth promoters. Results: Based on rpoB and 16S rRNA genes, one hundred seventy-four (174) endophytes distributed into twenty-five (25) genera were identified, in which the greatest number of isolates were classified into Bacillus (52.30%), followed by Streptomyces (13.22%), Paenibacillus (6.32%), and Pseudomonas (4.60%). Out of the total isolated strains, endophytic strains with total number thirteen (13), eighty-four (84), one hundred and five (105), and nine (9) were able to fix nitrogen, and solubilize calcium phosphate, calcium phytate, and potassium, respectively. Moreover, out of total endophytes; twenty-four (24), thirty-three (33) and twenty-one (21) endophytic strains displayed marked antagonistic effects against important fungal pathogens such as Fusarium graminearum, Rhizoctonia solani and Exserohilum turcicum, respectively. Conclusions: Soil types play a functional role in culturable endophyte diversity and provide an isolation reference for endophytic reserves with multiple functions such as growth promoters and biocontrol agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]