Abstract
In this study, we have evaluated the genetic diversity and plant growth promoting traits of endophytes isolated from Oxalis corniculata. These strains were also screened for heavy metal resistance. Twenty-one endophytic bacteria were isolated from surface sterilized roots, stem and leaves of Oxalis corniculata. These isolated strains were characterized by QTS and further identified by gene sequencing. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the selected bacterial strains were closely related to Pantoea agglomerans, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Bacillus pumilus and Kocuria rhizophila. The selected isolates were positive for phosphate solubilization, IAA, HCN production, catalase activity and ammonia production. K. rhizophila showed highest resistance against heavy metals such as Cu, Ni, Pb and Cr (0.1 mg mL-1 ) while B. pumilus showed lowest resistance by agar well diffusion method. All the isolated strains showed great genetic diversity at each level of taxon and possessed multiple PGPR traits. These strains also showed resistance to heavy metals and could be used in bioremediation studies. These isolates from O. corniculata have been reported for the first time from Pakistan. The findings of this study established the base line data for the field of bioremediation and plant growth promotion.
Rabia Mufti, Amna, Mazhar Rafique, Fazal Haq, Muhammad Farooq Hussain Munis, Muhammad Farooq Hussain Munis, Hassanyy Javed Chaudhary. (2015) Genetic diversity and metal resistance assessment of endophytes isolated from Oxalis corniculata, The Journal Soil & Environment , Volume 34, issue 1.
-
Views
323 -
Downloads
31
