Isolation, Characterization and Identification of Endophytic Bacteria from Roots of Hordeum Vulgare Plants

Aisha Parween, Vidyanath Jha

Abstract: Endophytic bacteria, known for their ability to colonize plant tissues, play a crucial role in plant health and development. In this study, bacterial endophytes were isolated from the root tissues of Hordeum vulgare (barley) and characterized using morphological, biochemical, and genetic analysis. The isolates were identified as Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas spp., both of which demonstrated significant enzymatic activity and varying antibiotic resistance. Bacillus subtilis exhibited high amylolytic, catalase, and urease activity, whereas Pseudomonas spp. showed only catalase activity. Antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed that Bacillus subtilis was resistant to all tested antibiotics, while Pseudomonas spp. displayed sensitivity to ampicillin at higher concentrations. These findings highlight the potential of endophytic bacteria in improving plant resilience, nutrient uptake, and defense mechanisms. Given the increasing scientific interest in plant-microbe interactions, further research is warranted to explore the metabolic pathways and functional applications of these bacterial endophytes in sustainable agriculture and bioremediation.

Keywords: endophytic bacteria, Hordeum vulgare, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas spp., plant-microbe interaction