Work

Screening and characterization of endophytic bacterial isolates associated with Echinops kebericho M. and Lepidium sativum L. and evaluation of their potential role

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Endophytic bacteria (EB) associated with medicinal plants contribute to plant growth by enhancing nutrient availability, stress tolerance, and phytohormone production. This study aimed to isolate and characterize potential endophytic bacterial isolates (EBIs) from Echinops kebericho Mesfin and Lepidium sativum L., two traditional Ethiopian medicinal plants, and to evaluate their ability to utilize various growth substrates. Roots of E. kebericho and seeds of L. sativum were collected for bacterial isolation. Biochemical and enzymatic assays were performed to characterize the isolates. Phosphate solubilization, zinc solubilization and indole acetic acid production were determined based on standard in vitro assays. Characterization and identification of Endophytic bacterial isolates were carried out using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Endophytic bacteria belonging to Bacillus , Paenibacillus , Proteus , and Pseudomonas genera were identified, with Bacillus being the most frequently detected genus. The isolate Ls5I1 showed 98.29% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Lysinibacillus capsici PB300 T , suggesting that Ls5I1 may represent a novel endophytic bacterium. The isolate demonstrated strong phosphate and zinc solubilization activities and produced IAA. Molasses served as cost-effective and low-cost growth carbon source for growth and yielded the highest cell biomass of Lysinibacillus sp. Ls5I1. In conclusion, the study highlights Lysinibacillus sp. Ls5I1 as promising plant growth-promoting bacteria capable of utilizing agro-wastes like molasses, producing phytohormones and solubilizing insoluble minerals. These findings suggest its potential application as a sustainable biofertilizer in agriculture.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-73380-3

Authors: Dinku Senbeta, Aman Dekebo, Seid Mohammed Ebu

Institution: Adama Science and Technology University

Language: English

Topic: Plant-Microbe Interactions and Immunity

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690