Using Endophytic Bacteria Derived from Perennial Trees to Promote Wheat Seedling Growth and Protect Against Pathogens

Bacteria that regulate the growth of plants can be found in many different environments, but they are most commonly found in the rhizosphere. Bacteria in the plant rhizosphere can affect the development of plants in different ways. On the other hand, endophytic bacteria also supported plant growth-promoting activities and showed antagonistic effects, isolated from different plant parts such as roots, stems, branches, leaves, and fruits. In our study, endophytic bacteria isolated from walnut (Juglans regia L.) and olive (Olea purpurea L.) trees, positively affect plant growth as bio-fertilizers. Endophytes were screened for phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), ammonia, siderophore, hydrogen cyanide, protease enzyme, chitinase enzyme, and ACC deaminase production capabilities. Whether endophytic bacteria have bio-protective properties against different pathogen groups had been tested on Verticillium dahliae ( fungal wilt), Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. glycinea (bacterial blight), and Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (bacterial blight). Potential bio-fertilizer and bio-protective bacteria identified according to their fatty acids and 16S rRNA gene regions. Members of the genus Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Paenibacillus, Staphylococcus, Pantoea, and Serratia were endophytically found in different plants parts. Following rapid plant growth-promoting trait tests, twelve bacteria were used for the hydroponic germination of wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.). Eight improved wheat root and stem growth and six had statistically (p < 0.05) positive effects compared to non-bacteria-treated seedlings.