Identification and Characterization of Epiphytic and Endophytic Bacteria from Turmeric Curcuma Longa L

Abstract

Several herbal plants have active compounds that are believed to be influenced by the coexistence of microbes within this plant. The habitat above ground where microbes grow is known as phyllosphere. Microbes that grow on the plants surface are called epiphytes and those that grow in the plants system are called endophytes. Exploitation of beneficial properties of plant associated microbes is of great relevance at an applied level, either to increase production yields of agricultural crops, control of plants diseases or pests, adapt plant to suitable growth conditions, or in reforestation activities.In India, turmeric has been used traditionally from thousands of years as a remedy for stomach and liver ailments, as well as topically to heal sores. Since hitherto it is supposed to have antimicrobial property. In the case of turmeric (Curcuma longa L), the presence of rhizome is expected to provide a specialized habitat for the association of a diverse group of bacteria with potential impact on plant growth. This makes studies on isolation and characterization of bacteria from turmeric much more interesting and informative. Long period involved in between rhizome collection and storage to rhizome germination greatly supports the chances of strong association of endophytes with the rhizome and its transmittance from generation to generation. These endophytes might be expected to possess important role in the growth of turmeric.The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the epiphytic and endophytic bacterial community associated with turmeric plant and explore their possible role in plant protection and plant growth promoting activities. The thesis embodies the results in four different parts-The first phase of the thesis dealt with the isolation and preservation of epiphytic and endophytic bacteria isolated from Nanded and Hingoli Districts. For this five turmeric plants per field were uprooted from each of the three fields of Nanded and two fields of Hingoli Districts which are important turmeric g