Isolation and Biochemical Characterisation of Endophytic Bacillus spp from Urtica dioica and Study of Their Antagonistic Effect against Phytopathogens
Dahaieh Naoufal *
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Applied Microbiology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, B.P: 133 14000, Kénitra, Morocco.
Hacham Amine
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Applied Microbiology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, B.P: 133 14000, Kénitra, Morocco.
Bourakkad Ilham
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Applied Microbiology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, B.P: 133 14000, Kénitra, Morocco.
Ounine Khadija
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Applied Microbiology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, B.P: 133 14000, Kénitra, Morocco.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Endophytic bacteria have been isolated from the roots of Urtica dioica. A total of 54 endophytic bacteria were isolated from the underground parts using suitable surface sterilisation protocol. Three isolates R45a; R45b; R21a were tested for antagonism effect against Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora parasitica in dual culture method. Significant inhibitory effects on mecylial radial growth have been revealed with a percentage superior or equal to 75%. These strains were Gram-positive rods. Cultures on nutrient agar showed irregular, entirely cream coloured colonies that are strictly aerobic and capable of forming endospore. They belong probably to the genus of Bacillus spp.
Keywords: Endophytic bacteria, Bacillus spp, antagonism, Urtica dioica, Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora parasitica