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A putative new endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacterium Pantoea sp. from sugarcane
F G Loiret1, E Ortega, D Kleiner
1Lab. Fisiología Vegetal, Dpto. Biología Vegetal, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de la Habana, La Habana, Cuba.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|July 30, 2004
Summary
Two nitrogen-fixing bacteria were isolated from sugarcane in Cuba. One isolate, a novel Pantoea species, exhibited high hydrogen production and adaptability, showing agricultural potential.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Plant Science
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Sugarcane cultivation in Cuba often relies on chemical fertilizers.
- Endophytic bacteria can contribute to plant nutrition and growth.
- Nitrogen fixation is a crucial process for plant development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria from Cuban sugarcane.
- To characterize their nitrogenase activity and physiological properties.
- To assess their potential agricultural value.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of bacteria from surface-sterilized sugarcane stems and roots.
- Acetylene reduction and H2 production assays for nitrogenase activity.
- Molecular identification using PCR amplification of nifH gene and 16S rDNA sequencing.
Main Results:
- Two nitrogen-fixing isolates, 9C and T2, were obtained.
- Isolate 9C, identified as a Pantoea species, showed significantly higher H2 production than isolate T2 and a standard strain.
- Isolate T2 was identified as Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus.
- Isolate 9C demonstrated broad tolerance to temperature, pH, and salt concentrations.
Conclusions:
- A novel endophytic Pantoea strain with high H2 production and wide-ranging growth conditions was isolated from sugarcane.
- This Pantoea strain may be valuable for sustainable agriculture.
- The findings contribute to understanding endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in sugarcane.