Plant Growth Promotion and Biocontrol Potentiality of Endophytes Isolated from Root Nodules of Sulla flexuosa L. Plants

Legumes, native to the Mediterranean, harbor reservoirs of endophytes that help plants adapt various environmental stresses. The current study was carried out evaluate plant growth characteristics and antifungal activity root nodule as biocontrol agents promoters. Eleven bacterial isolated from nodules Sulla flexuosa L. grown in Northwest Morocco were assessed for their growth-promoting (PGP), properties. Four endophytic bacteria selected efficiency solubilizing inorganic phosphate. strains positive more than 2 PGP traits, including indole acetic acid, ACC deaminase, siderophore, ammonia production. screening lytic enzyme production revealed all capable producing chitinase, cellulase, catalase, protease, while secretion amylase urease not detected. HFB11 only strain incapable pectinase. In vitro experiments strains’ potential withstand salt drought stresses by being able grow high concentrations NaCl PEG. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, identified Enterobacter Serratia. antagonistic against Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus ochraceus, Fusarium oxysporum detected they shown inhibit fungal with percentages. highest percentage inhibition observed HFB3 B. cinerea 50% followed HFB8 which 47% F. oxysporum’s growth. contrast, a weak A. ochraceus. All these findings indicate chosen endophytes, halotolerant Serratia inhibens hormaechei HFB11, might be used candidates effective promotion legumes.