Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXI
Written by Oana-Alina BOIU-SICUIA, Florica CONSTANTINESCU, Călina Petruţa CORNEA

Endophytic bacteria are plant-associated bacteria colonizing the internal plant tissue, living in symbiotic association with their host. Such microorganism could contribute to plant growth promotion and defence against biotic and abiotic stress. Our study aimed to describe new endophytic bacteria from potato tubers. Therefore, a group of 20 endophytic bacteria was isolated from seven Romanian varieties of healthy potato tubers. Four of the isolated strains revealed antifungal activity against three important pathogens of potato, Fusarium solani involved in tubers dry rot, Rhizoctonia solani involved in stem canker and black scurf of potato, and Alternaria solani causing early blight of potato plants. Among all twenty isolates obtained, 13 were Gram positive bacteria. Most of the newly isolated endophytes (65%) expressed phosphatase and protease activity, and 55% presented amylases, however only 10% revealed cellulose degrading enzymes. Based on preliminary laboratory analysis, the isolate 6T4 identified as B. atrophaeus/subtilis revealed promising perspectives for biocontrol strategies.

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