Molecular Identification and Antagonistic Activity of Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Artemisia austriaca

This study aims to molecularly identify and evaluate the antagonistic activity of endophytic bacteria isolated from Artemisia austriaca. Three bacterial strains, representing the families Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillaceae, and Microbacteriaceae, were isolated and their morphological and biochemical characteristics were determined. Molecular identification, performed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, revealed that the isolates were Pantoea agglomerans (AG1), Bacillus proteolyticus (AY1), and Microbacterium sp. (AY2). Furthermore, the antagonistic activities of these strains were tested against several pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis. Among the isolates, only B. proteolyticus (AY1) exhibited antimicrobial activity against all three indicator pathogens. In conclusion, this study represents the first report of endophytic bacteria isolated from A. austriaca and demonstrates their antagonistic effects against pathogenic bacteria.