Study of Endophytic Bacteria in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] Roots

Aims: The current investigation aims to isolate and identify the root endophytic bacteria from Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) variety MSH-1970, as well as evaluate the qualities that promote plant growth. Study Design: The study involves isolating endophytic bacteria, performing biochemical and molecular characterization, and evaluating their ability to stimulate plant development through biochemical tests. Place and Duration of Study: Departmentof Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Tonk, Niwai, Rajasthan, 2022–2023. Methodology: Pearl millet MSH-1970 was planted in pots in the greenhouse of the Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and endophytic bacterial strains were isolated. The isolates' morphological features were recorded using Bergey's Manual of Systemic Bacteriology, and biochemical testing was done. 16s rRNA gene PCR was used to do molecular characterization of the potential endophyte, and the PCR product was sequenced. Ammonia production, phosphate solubilization, and HCN production were used to identify the properties that promote plant development. Results: The initial culture of endophytic bacteria isolated from the pearl millet variety MSH-1970 yielded 14 colonies on Nutrient agar medium. One of the colonies, BVCA-16 could solubilize phosphate, and generate hydrogen cyanide, and ammonia. Using 16f-16r and 63f-1244r primers, a molecular analysis of BVCA16 revealed 99.92% similarity with Pseudomonas sp. AUS22.The sequence was submitted to Genebank NCBI as Pseudomonas sp. strain BVCA-16, accession number OR350932. Conclusion: In the Pearl millet variety MSH-1970, the endophytic bacteria Pseudomonas sp. strain BVCA-16 was identified and it showed potential to promote plant growth.