Vol. 10, Issue 10 (2021)

Author(s):
N Olivia Devi, RK Tombisana Devi, D Thakuria, T Rajesh and K Ningthoujam

Abstract:
Endophytic bacteria invade the host plant's tissues and develop a mutually beneficial relationship demonstrating a complex interaction inside the host plant. They are a vital part of plant micro ecosystem because they defend the plant against microorganisms and environmental stresses. The heat resistant spores and its ability to survive in diverse environmental situations make Bacillus a popular microbe for commercial use as biocontrol agent and plant growth promoting bacteria. In the study, total of 130 Bacillus endophytes were isolated from tomato roots from 20 locations under six districts of Meghalaya viz. South West Garo hills, West Garo hills, West Jaintia hills, East Jaintia hills, East Khasi hills and Ri Bhoi districts. Based on biochemical characters and bacterial identification software ABIS online all the 130 isolates were tentatively identified up to species level. The isolates belonged to the genera Bacillus, Paenibacillus and Viridibacillus with maximum of 17 isolates each identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and B. thuringiensis. The study gives a good insight into the diversity of Bacillus endophytes found in tomato roots of Meghalaya.