Nature’s Pharmacy under Siege: Investigating Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Endophytic Bacteria of Medicinal Plants

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health threat, necessitating a thorough understanding of its prevalence in various ecological contexts. Medicinal plants, renowned for their therapeutic properties, host endophytic bacteria that produce bioactive compounds. Understanding antibiotic resistance dynamics in these bacteria is vital for human health and antibiotic efficacy preservation. In this study, we investigated antibiotic resistance profiles in endophytic bacteria from five medicinal plants: Thankuni, Neem, Aparajita, Joba, and Snake plant. We isolated and characterized 113 endophytic bacteria, with varying resistance patterns observed against multiple antibiotics. Notably, 53 strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR), with 14 exhibiting extensive drug resistance (XDR). Thankuni-associated bacteria displayed 44% MDR and 11% XDR, while Neem-associated bacteria showed higher resistance (60% MDR, 13% XDR). Aparajita-associated bacteria had lower resistance (22% MDR, 6% XDR), whereas Joba-associated bacteria exhibited substantial resistance (54% MDR, 14% XDR). Snake plant-associated bacteria showed 7% MDR and 4% XDR. Genus-specific distribution revealed Bacillus (47%), Staphylococcus (21%), and Klebsiella (11%) as major contributors to MDR. Our findings highlight diverse drug resistance patterns among plant-associated bacteria and underscore the complexity of antibiotic resistance dynamics in diverse plant environments. Identification of XDR strains emphasizes the severity of the antibiotic resistance problem, warranting further investigation into contributing factors.

Endophytic Bacteria Promote the Growth of Suaeda glauca in Saline-Alkali Stress:Regulation of Osmotic Pressure and Antioxidative Defense System

Endophytic bacteria are promising bacterial fertilizers to improve plant growth under adverse environment.For ecological remediation of coastal wetlands,it was necessary to investigate the effect and interaction of endophytes on halophytes under saline-alkali stress.In this study,an endophytic bacterium strain HK1 isolated from halophytes was selected to infect Suaeda glauca under pH(7 and 8)and salinity gradient(150,300 and 450mmolL^(-1)).Strain HK1 was identified as Pantoea ananatis and it had ability to fix nitrogen,dissolve inorganic phosphorus and produce indole-3-aceticacid(IAA).The results showed that strain HK1 could promote the growth of S.glauca seedings when the salinity was less than 300mmolL^(-1),in view of longer shoot length and heavier fresh weight.The infected plants could produce more proline to decrease the permeability of cells,which content increased by 26.2%–61.1%compared to the non-infected group.Moreover,the oxidative stress of infected plants was relieved with the malondialdehyde(MDA)content decreased by 16.8%–32.9%,and the peroxidase(POD)activity and catalase(CAT)activity increased by 100%–500%and 6.2%–71.4%,respectively.Statistical analysis revealed that increasing proline content and enhancing CAT and POD activities were the main pathways to alleviate saline-alkali stress by strain HK1 infection,and the latter might be more important.This study illustrated that endophytic bacteria could promote the growth of halophytes by regulation of osmotic substances and strengthening antioxidant activities.This finding would be helpful for the bioremediation of coastal soil.

Plant growth-promoting properties and anti-fungal activity of endophytic bacterial strains isolated from Thymus altaicus and Salvia deserta in arid lands

Endophytes,as crucial components of plant microbial communities,significantly contribute to enhancing the absorption of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus by their hosts,promote plant growth,and degrade pathogenic fungal mycelia.In this study,an experiment was conducted in August 2022 to explore the growth-promoting potential of endophytic bacterial strains isolated from two medical plant species,Thymus altaicus and Salvia deserta,using a series of screening media.Plant samples of Thymus altaicus and Salvia deserta were collected from Zhaosu County and Habahe County in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region,China,in July 2021.Additionally,the inhibitory effects of endophytic bacterial strains on the four pathogenic fungi(Fusarium oxysporum,Fulvia fulva,Alternaria solani,and Valsa mali)were determined through the plate confrontation method.A total of 80 endophytic bacterial strains were isolated from Thymus altaicus,while a total of 60 endophytic bacterial strains were isolated from Salvia deserta.The endophytic bacterial strains from both Thymus altaicus and Salvia deserta exhibited plant growth-promoting properties.Specifically,the strains of Bacillus sp.TR002,Bacillus sp.TR005,Microbacterium sp.TSB5,and Rhodococcus sp.TR013 demonstrated strong cellulase-producing activity,siderophore-producing activity,phosphate solubilization activity,and nitrogen-fixing activity,respectively.Out of 140 endophytic bacterial strains isolated from Thymus altaicus and Salvia deserta,104 strains displayed anti-fungal activity against Fulvia fulva,Alternaria solani,Fusarium oxysporum,and Valsa mali.Furthermore,the strains of Bacillus sp.TR005,Bacillus sp.TS003,and Bacillus sp.TSB7 exhibited robust inhibition rates against all the four pathogenic fungi.In conclusion,the endophytic bacterial strains from Thymus altaicus and Salvia deserta possess both plant growth-promoting and anti-fungal properties,making them promising candidates for future development as growth-promoting agents and biocontrol tools for plant diseases.

Isolation and Identification of Houttuynia cordata Endophytic Bacteria and Study of Antibiotic Activity

[Objectives]To further explore the resources of biocontrol strains and provide new options for the control of pathogenic bacteria.[Methods]Houttuynia cordata endophytic bacteria were isolated and identified,and the antibiotic activity was explored.[Results]There are 8 strains(H1-H8)of endophytic bacteria isolated from the healthy plants of H.cordata,which had an antagonistic effect on the pathogenic bacteria.According to the gene sequence,the 8 strains were identified as Stenotrophomonas,Pseudomonas,and Bacillus,which strongly inhibited Colletotrichum(HC1),Fusarium(HC2),and Rhizoctonia(HC5)of H.cordata.On the PDA culture dish,the inhibition diameter of the 8 strains on Colletotrichum,Fusarium,and Rhizoctonia was 6,8,and 5 mm,respectively.[Conclusions]Pathogenic bacteria and endophytic bacteria inoculated with H.cordata seedlings showed that endophytic bacteria have certain antagonistic activity,and have the potential for development and application.

Feasibility of enhanced phytoextraction of Zn contaminated soil with Zn mobilizing and plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria

Three bacterial endophytes of Sedum alfredii, VI8L2, II8L4 and VI8R2, were examined for promoting soil Zn bioavailability and Zn accumulation in S. alfredii. Results showed that three strains were re-introduced into S. alfredii rhizosphere soils under Zn stress and resulted in better plant growth, as roots biomass increased from 80% to 525% and shoot biomass from 11% to 47% compared with the uninoculated ones. Strains IVsLz, II8L4 and IVsR2 significantly increased shoot and root Zn concentrations in the ZnCO3 contaminated soil. Inoculation with strain IVsL2 resulted in 44% and 39% higher shoot and root Zn concentrations, while strain IV8R2 significantly decreased shoot Zn concentration in the Zn3（PO4）2 contaminated soils. In the aged contaminated soil, isolates IVsL2, IIsL4 and IVsR2 significantly increased root Zn concentration, but decreased shoot Zn concentration of Sedum alfredii. It suggested that endophytes might be used for enhancing phytoextraction efficiency.

Studies on the Isolation of Endophytic Bacteria from Tomato Plants and Their Growth-promoting Activities

[Objective] The study aimed to investigate the growth-promoting activities of endophytic bacteria from tomato plants.[Method]The endophytic bacteria isolated from different tissues of tomato plants were analyzed for the effects of their growth-promoting activities on the germination and growth of tomato plants.The bacteria with growth-promoting activity were preliminarily identified.[Result]Totally 59 endophytic bacterial strains were isolated from roots and stems of tomatoes,of which 4 showed significantly growth-promoting activity to germination and growth of tomato.The results suggest that these strains are endowed with the potential capability of growth-promoting.[Conclusion]The endophytic bacteria with growth-promoting activity were found among the isolates from tomato plants.This provided a good foundation for utilization of these bacteria with growth-promoting activity.

Screening for Siderophore-producing Endophytic Bacteria against Fusarium oxysporum

[Objective] With a strain of endophytic antagonistic bacteria with good disease control efficacy in pot as trial material,the paper was to explore the antagonistic mechanism of siderophore against Fusarium oxysporum.[Method] Whether the strain produced siderophore and its fluorescent property was judged by MSA（Modified Sugar-Aspartic acid） plate.The siderophore activity of strains in liquid MSA medium was determined through the absorbance values at particular wavelength.The inhibition effects of it siderophore against F.oxysporum under different concentrations of Fe3＋ were compared.Then the strain was preliminarily identified based on morphological,physiological and biochemical characteristics [Result] The fluorescent siderophore produced by the endophytic bacteria in MSA medium had a strong inhibition effect against F.oxysporum.With the increasing concentration of Fe3＋,the inhibition effect against the pathogen weakened.The preliminary analysis showed these strains belonged to Bacillus.[Conclusion] Bacillus could compete the absorption of Fe3＋ by secreting siderophore to inhibit the growth of F.oxysporum.

Determination of Growth-promoting and Antagonistic Action of Endophytic Bacteria Strains Itb57 and Itb295 of Tobacco

[ Objective ] The paper was to study the growth-promoting and antagonistic action of endophytic bacteria strains Itb57 and Itb295 of tobacco to explore their functions in biological control. [ Method] The growth-promoting effects of bacterial suspension ~ff endophytic bacteria Itb57 and Itb295 on tobacco seedling un- der different treatment modes were studied using potting method in greenhouse. The antagonistic action of bacterial suspension of endophytic bacteria Itb57 and Itb295 on Phytophthora nicotianae, Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea were measured by duel culture method. [ Result] Bacterial suspensions of enduphytic bacteria Itb57 and Itb295 had certain growth-promoting effects on tobacco seedling, which could significantly increase the fresh weight and dry weight in aerial part; the growth-promoting effect of soaking ＋ spraying and irrigating treatment was the best. Itb57 strain had good antagonistic action against P. nicotianae. A. alterna- ta and B. cinerea, while Itb295 strain only had good antifungal effect against P. nicotianae. [ Conclusion] The results provided basis for the study and application of tobacco endophytic bacteria strains Itb57 and Itb295 in biocontrol of tobacco diseases.

Impacts of Irrigation with Reclaimed Water on Endophytic Bacteria in Chinese Cabbage in Urumqi City

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of agricultural irri- gation with reclaimed water in Urumqi City. [Method] Chinese cabbages were used as experimental materials and irrigated with control water, 50% reclaimed water and 100% reclaimed water, and then the number of endophytic bacteria in Chinese cab- bages was measured. [Result] Using 50% reclaimed water, the fresh weight of Chi- nese cabbage was improved by 68.94%; however, with the deepening internalization of exogenous microorganism internalization, the total number of endophytic bacteria and coliform flock in Chinese cabbages treated with 50% reclaimed water was sig- nificantly higher than the other two treatment groups （P〈0.05）. [Conclusion] Re- claimed water enhances both the weight of Chinese cabbage and the number of endophytic bacteria, which is unsuitable for irrigation of edible crops such as Chi- nese cabbage. Strengthening disinfection during the process of sewerage treatment could solve this problem.

Genetic Diversity of Antagonistic Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Sophora alopecuroide

[ Objective ] The paper was to study and analyze the genetic diversity of 48 endophytic bacteria isolated from Sophora alopecuroide with strong antagonis- tic effect against Fusarium oxysporum and Verticillium dahliae, and carry out sequence measurement and phylogenetic analysis on 10 representative strains. [ Meth- od] Using total DNA ERIC-PCR and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis method, a total of 48 endophytic bacteria were carried out genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis. [Result] ERIC-PCR fingerprint map showed that 48 endophytic bacteria were divided into 6 ERIC groups and 2 strains with independent groups at Wat- son distance of 0.31. Representative strains were selected from each group to determine 16S rRNA gene for phylogenetic analysis, and the results showed that these strains belonged to Bacillus atrophaeus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus pumilus and Serratia marcescens, respectively. [ Conclu- sion ] The genetic diversity of 48 strains of bacteria was obvious. Determination of 48 strains of bacteria on diversity and phylogenetic status could lay foundation for study on mechanism of F. oxysporum and V. dahliae, which could also provide new strain sources for biological control of diseases in cotton production.

Biogenesis of antibacterial silver nanoparticles using the endophytic bacterium Bacillus cereus isolated from Garcinia xanthochymus

Objective:To synthesize the ecofriendly nanoparticles,which is viewed as an alternative to the chemical method which initiated the use of microbes like bacteria and fungi in their synthesis.Methods:The current study uses the endophytic bacterium Bacillus cereus isolated from the Garcinia xanthochymus to synthesize the silver nanoparticles(AgNPs).The AgNPs were synthesized by reduction of silver nitrate solution by the endophytic bacterium after incubation for 3-5 d at room temperature.The synthesis was initially observed by colour change from pale white to brown which was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy.The AgNPs were further characterized using FTIR,SEM-EDX and TEM analyses.Results:The synthesized nanoparticles were found to he spherical with the size in the range of 20-40 nm which showed a slight aggregation.The energy-dispersive spectra of the nanoparticle dispersion confirmed the presence of elemental silver.The AgNPs were found to have antibacterial activity against a few pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Staphylococcus aureus,Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae.Conclusions:The endophytic bacteria identified as Bacillus cereus was able to synthesize silver nanoparticles with potential antibacterial activity.

Endophytic bacteria associated with endangered plant Ferula sinkiangensis K. M. Shen in an arid land： diversity and plant growth-promoting traits

Ferula spp. are traditional medicinal plants found in arid land. Large-scale excavation for extracting bioactive compounds from the plants in arid regions of Xinjiang over the last few years has, however, significandy decreased their distributions. Due to the urgent need for preservation of these plant resources, along with the need of searching for alternative source of the useful metabolites, it is important to screen the endophytic microbial resources associated with the plant Ferula sinkiangensis K. M. Shen. In the study, a total of 125 endophytic bacteria belonging to 3 phyla, 13 orders, 23 families, and 29 genera were isolated based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing data. Among the different isolates, three strains isolated from roots were potential novel species of the genera Porphyrobacter, Paracoccus and draycofatopsis. In this study, 79.4% and 57.1% of the total isolates were capable of producing indole-3-acetic acid （IAA） and siderophore, respectively. And, 40.6% of the strains inhibit the growth of fungal pathogen Afternaria alternata, 17.2% and 20.2% strains were positive for antagonism against Vertidllium dahlia 991 and V. dahlia 7, respectively. These results demonstrated that E sinkiangensis is a rich reservoir of endophytic bacterial resources with potential for production of biologically important functions such as plant growth-promoting factors.

Determination of Endophytic Bacteria Resistance against Rifampin and UV-mutagenesis

The study aimed to isolate and screen endophytic bacteria from the plant in order to understand their colonization dynamics in plants. [Method] 5 kinds of endophytic bacteda including H1, DP1, CJL1, DJL12 and YC1 were selected as the original strains, and conducted UV mutagenesis studies on H1 and DJL12 with weak resistance, while the resistance of them against rifampicin was confirmed. [Result] Through preliminary screening, five kinds of endophytic bacteria could grew well in the plate without rifampin, among them, H1 and DLJ12 were unable to survive under 10 μg/ml concentration of rifampicin, and the other three strains could survive under 50 μg/ml concentration of rifampicin. After UV mutagenesis, DLJ12 strain with dfampicin resistance concentration of 80 μg/ml was obtained. [ Conclusion] The study could provide theoretical and practical basis for development and utilization of endophytic bacteria.

In vitro establishment of shoot meristems of Ilex paraguariensis and identification of endophytic bacteria

Yerba mate(Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.)is a species of great economic,social and environmental importance for the southern regions of Brazil,Uruguay and Argentina.Currently the most diverse products are obtained from mate leaves,including mate tea.The objective of this study was to establish shoot meristem cultures(meristematic dome and a few primordia)of elite clones and identify the endophytic bacteria present in the explants.We tested the effect of clones(F1,F2,A03 and A07),culture media(MS,1/2MS,1/4MS and WPM),cytokinins(kinetin,BA and 2iP),activated charcoal(1,2 and 3 g L^-1),and disinfecting agent(sodium hypochlorite and mercuric chloride)on in vitro establishment.F1 and F2 clones were the most responsive for shoot meristem in vitro culture.WPM medium supplemented with 8.8 lM 2iP,0.2 lM NAA and 3 g L^-1 activated charcoal was the most suitable for the in vitro establishment of the F1 clone.No phytotoxic effect of the disinfectant was observed and some meristems sprouted.The isolated endophytic bacterium was identified for the first time in yerba mate as Agrobacterium larrymoorei.To conclude,we were able to establish in vitro culture of yerba mate using meristems as explants but the tissues were not free of endophytic microorganisms which could interfere with explant response.

The diversity and potential function of endophytic bacteria isolated from Kobreasia capillifolia at alpine grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau, China

A total of 50 endophytic bacterial isolates were obtained from Kobreasia capillifolia at alpine grasslands in the Eastern Qilian Mountains on the Tibetan Plateau in China. Based on the sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 16 S r DNA genes, all isolates phylogenetically related closely to Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Brevundimonas, Arthrobacter, Curtobacterium, Paenibacillus, Plantibacter, Promicromonospora, Serratia, and Microbacterium, among which Bacillus was the predominant genus（47.8% of the total number of endophytic isolates）. These isolates possessed different biological functions. In 50 endophytic bacteria, 42 isolates produced indole acetic acid（IAA） on King medium. There were seven isolates showing potency of mineral phosphate solubilization in Pikovaskaia＇s（PKO） liquid medium. Seven isolates exhibited antagonistic effect against Fusarium avenaceum, Colletotrichum coccodes and Phoma foveata. This was the first report on diversity and plant growth promotion of endophytic bacteria from K. capillifolia on alpine grassland in the Eastern Qilian Mountains, Chain. It is essential for revealing the relationship among plant, microorganism, and the special environment because the potential function of endophytic bacteria made a contribution to the interactions of plants and endophytic bacteria.

Diversity and Plant Growth Promoting Ability of Culturable Endophytic Bacteria in Nepalese Sweet Potato

There is no information on Nepalese sweet potato endophytes. We isolated 243 endophytic bacteria belonging to 34 genera in six classes from 12 locations of Nepal. Among them, the predominant classes were Bacilli and Gammaproteobacteria. The principal component analysis revealed that the composition of bacterial classes was unrelated to the environmental parameters of the sampling sites. Regarding their plant growth promoting potentials, 57% of the strains demonstrated indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) producing ability while 5% strains had nitrogen fixing gene (nifH) and acetylene reduction assay (ARA) activity. The representative strains in all six classes showed antagonistic effect against bacterial pathogens while only Bacillus strain showed the effect against fungal pathogen. For endophytic traits, cellulase activity was observed in 5 classes, while pectinase activity was only in Proteobacteria. Fresh weight and vine length of sweet potato increased by inoculating mixed cultures of the isolates from each location.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Organic and Peptidic Extracts of Ecuadorian Endophytic Fungi

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of 32 organic and 14 peptidic extracts obtained from twelve endophytic fungi of the Collection of Endophytes Quito-Catolica were tested against the pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis, and against the fungal oomycete Pythium ultimum. It was observed that the extracts of Marasmiellus candidus (CEQCA-O1113), Xylaria laevis (CEQCA-O1399), Fusarium solani (CEQCA-O1393), Diaporthe helianthi (CEQCA-O1394) and Xylaria sp. (CEQCA-O1400) partially or totally inhibited the microorganisms tested. The extracts CEQCA-O1399.P1 and CEQCA-O1113.D1 showed fungistatic and fungicidal effects against P. ultimum, respectively. Six extracts strongly inhibited S. aureus, and E. coli was strongly inhibited by the extract CEQCA-O1113.E2. Based on a bioassay-guided approach, the extracts with strong bioactivity in the antibacterial assays by an agar diffusion method were also tested by a disk diffusion method, and the minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by a microdilution assay. The most bioactive extract, CEQCA-O1113.D1, was also purified by high performance liquid chromatography. The extract recovered its initial bioactivity against S. aureus in two fractions after the purification. Overall, the results of this study highlight the potential of the fungal endophytes as producers of bioactive compounds.

Study on Endophytic Bacteria Diversity in the Root of Peperomia dindygulensis Miq. by Applying Clone Library Construction Method

[Objectives] To study the endophytic bacteria diversity in the root of Peperomia dindygulensis Miq. [Methods] The root of P.dindygulensis Miq. was taken as materials,culture-independent method was applied to build 16 S rDNA clone library for endophytic bacteria of P. dindygulensis Miq. [Results] In the 16 S rDNA clone library for endophytic bacteria of P. dindygulensis Miq.,95 clones separately belonged to 46 OTUs,Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these cloning sequences separately belonged to phylum Proteobacteria,phylum Bacteroidetes,phylum Actinobacteria,phylum Nitrospirae,and phylum Gemmatimonadetes. In these,phylum Proteobacteria accounted for 70. 53% of total number of clones,so it was the most dominant group in this library. [Conclusions]The endophytic bacteria diversity in the root of P.dindygulensis Miq. is rich and this study is expected to provide scientific basis for protection,development and use of resources of P. dindygulensis Miq.

Community Structure of Endophytic Bacteria in Chestnut, Castanea mollissima

[ Objective] The paper was to detect the species of endophytic bacteria in Chestnut （Castanea mollissima）. [ Method ] The 16S rDNA-V4 region of endophytic bacteria in chestnut （sample name BL） was sequenced by Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology. The number of sequences and op- erational taxonomic units （OTUs） for each sample was sorted and calculated using Qiime and Mothur software. The abundance and α-diversity of species were analyzed. [ Result] The number of effective sequences and OTUs were 21 167/191. The rarefaction curves showed that adequate sampling was achieved, and the number of OTUs was close to saturation. The endophytic bacteria of chestnut belonged to 10 genera, including Koribacter （3.48%） , Solibacter （2.59%） , Bra- d^hizobium （ 3. 57% ）, Rhodoplanes （ 7. 41% ）, Methylobacterium （ 4. 20% ）, Agrobacterium （ 19. 73% ）, Kaistobacter （ 2. 05% ）, Sphingomonas （18.66%）, Acidovorax （35.98%）, and Methylibium （2.32%）. The dominant species were Acidovorax, Agrobacterium and Sphingomonas. [ Conclusion] Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology provided more accurate and scientific data resources for the study of endophytic bacteria in chestnut.

Endophytic bacteria associated with halophyte Seidlitzia rosmarinus Ehrenb.ex Boiss.from saline soil of Uzbekistan and their plant beneficial traits

Endophytic bacteria of halophytic plants play essential roles in salt stress tolerance.Therefore,an understanding of the true nature of plant-microbe interactions under extreme conditions is essential.The current study aimed to identify cultivable endophytic bacteria associated with the roots and shoots of Seidlitzia rosmarinus Ehrenb.ex Boiss.grown in the salt-affected soil in Uzbekistan and to evaluate their plant beneficial traits related to plant growth stimulation and stress tolerance.Bacteria were isolated from the roots and the shoots of S.rosmarinus using culture-dependent techniques and identified by the 16S rRNA gene.RFLP(Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism)analysis was conducted to eliminate similar isolates.Results showed that the isolates from the roots of S.rosmarinus belonged to the genera Rothia,Kocuria,Pseudomonas,Staphylococcus,Paenibacillus and Brevibacterium.The bacterial isolates from the shoots of S.rosmarinus belonged to the genera Staphylococcus,Rothia,Stenotrophomonas,Brevibacterium,Halomonas,Planococcus,Planomicrobium and Pseudomonas,which differed from those of the roots.Notably,Staphylococcus,Rothia and Brevibacterium were detected in both roots and shoots,indicating possible migration of some species from roots to shoots.The root-associated bacteria showed higher levels of IAA(indole-3-acetic acid)synthesis compared with those isolated from the shoots,as well as the higher production of ACC(1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate)deaminase.Our findings suggest that halophytic plants are valuable sources for the selection of microbes with a potential to improve plant fitness under saline soils.