Broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential of endophytes from the roots of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze in the Western Himalayas
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background and aim Endophytes are symbiotic microbes residing within plant tissues and protect plants against pathogens. Tea is a highly valuable and economically important commercial crop. However, little is known about the diversity and potential functions of endophytes in tea plantations. This study explored the diversity and antimicrobial potential of endophytes from the tea roots of the Kangra valley in the Western Himalayas.Methods Endophytes were screened for antimicrobial activity using agar over-lay and agar well assay.Results A total of 71 endophytes were isolated from the tea roots. Out of these, 19 bacteria and 16 fungi showed antimicrobial activities against one or more pathogens. Bacterial isolates with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity belonged to genera Bacillus, Burkholderia, Dyella, Lysinibacillus, Pantoea, Rhodococcus, Staphylococcus, Streptomyces, and Terracoccus. Fungal endophytes with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity showed closest identity with Alternaria, Aspergillus, Bjerkandera, Chaunopycnis, Coprinellus, Cryptosporiopsis, Fusarium, Guignardia, Hypocrea, Leptosphaerulina, Mucor, Penicillium, Thanatephorus, and Xylaria.Conclusion These findings highlight the potential of tea endophytes as a source of natural bioactive compounds.
Source: Future Microbiology
Authors: Rishu Thakur, Ashu Gulati, Ashu Gulati, Arvind Gulati, Arvind Gulati
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4417316624