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Plant growth-promoting endophytic microbiota from garlic bulbs
Gumaro Quezada-García1,2,3, Lily X Zelaya-Molina4, Ismael F Chávez-Díaz3
1Departamento de Parasitología, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Saltillo, 25315, Coahuila, México.
Summary
Garlic clove meristems harbor beneficial bacteria that promote plant growth and inhibit pathogens. These endophytes show potential for developing microbial bioinoculants for agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Plant Science
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Garlic (Allium sativum L.) bulbs host specialized endophytic microbiota.
- Endophytes in garlic clove meristems are poorly understood but hold potential for plant health.
- This study explores cultivable endophytic communities in Mexican garlic varieties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cultivable endophytic bacteria and fungi in garlic clove meristems.
- To assess the functional traits and plant growth-promoting capabilities of isolated endophytes.
- To evaluate the biocontrol potential against pathogenic fungi and the impact on plant development.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of endophytic bacteria and fungi from ten Mexican garlic varieties.
- Assays for nutrient solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and hydrolytic enzyme production.
- Plant growth promotion assays in garlic explants, garlic germination, and maize bioassays.
- Antagonism assays against pathogenic fungi (Fusarium, Penicillium).
- 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze endophytic bacterial community structure post-inoculation.
Main Results:
- 119 bacterial isolates (14 genera) and 38 fungal isolates (2 genera) were obtained.
- Most bacterial isolates exhibited plant growth-promoting traits and enhanced garlic growth.
- Isolated fungi (Fusarium, Penicillium) were pathogenic; Paenibacillus sp. and Rhodococcus sp. inhibited them.
- Specific bacterial strains significantly improved garlic germination and maize seedling growth parameters.
- Paenibacillus sp. H1 inoculation increased endophytic bacterial diversity in garlic.
Conclusions:
- Garlic meristems are valuable reservoirs for beneficial endophytic microbes.
- Selected bacterial endophytes demonstrate potential as bioinoculants for crop improvement.
- These findings support the use of garlic endophytes for developing sustainable agricultural solutions.
- The study aids in understanding garlic's endophytic microbiome and conserving garlic varieties.
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