The Growths of Different Fern Plants were Enhanced by the Inoculations of a Plant Endophytic Bacterium Burkholderia seminalis Strain 869T2

Ferns represent a primitive lineage within the vascular plant kingdom characterized by distinct reproductive and structural traits that set them apart from seed-bearing plants. Their diverse foliage makes them suitable for various horticultural applications, including indoor decoration, landscaping, and garden design. Despite their lack of economic products like grains or fruits, ferns contribute significantly through their biomass, ornamental value, and potential applications in traditional medicine and bio-fertilization. The bird’s nest fern ( Asplenium nidus ), with its rosette of large lance-shaped leaves, is a popular ornamental plant and a source of food and traditional medicine in Taiwan. The oriental chain fern ( Woodwardia orientalis ) and dwarf tree fern ( Blechnum gibbum ), which are members of the Blechnaceae family, are similarly valued for their distinctive leaf structures and esthetic appeal, whereas silver lace fern ( Pteris ensiformis ), known for its decorative foliage, is widely used in horticulture. Endophytic bacteria, which reside within plant tissues without causing visible harm, are known to confer numerous benefits to their host plants. Although the beneficial effects of these bacteria in seed plant have been extensively studied, their interactions with ferns remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the potential of the Burkholderia seminalis strain 869T2, which is an endophytic bacterium isolated from vetiver grass ( Chrysopogon zizanioides ), to promote the growth of four different fern species. The leaf numbers and biomass of aerial parts of four types of fern plants were greatly increased after inoculating the strain 869T2. These data demonstrated the possibility of using endophytic bacteria isolated from seed plants to enhance the growth of more primitive vascular plants, thereby increasing their horticultural and ornamental value.