Functional characterisation of endophytic bacteria of Drynaria quercifolia L.(J.)Sm: production of hydrolytic enzymes and plant growth-promotion
Endophytes are widely recognised for their ability to enhance plant growth and survival by adapting to the plant’s internal environment. The present study explores the production of hydrolytic enzymes and plant growth-promoting traits in endophytic bacteria isolated from Drynaria quercifolia. Out of the 34 endophytic bacteria isolated, fifteen morphologically distinct bacterial isolates were initially screened for their ability to produce hydrolytic enzymes and plant growth-promoting compounds. Based on their functional attributes, seven distinct isolates were selected for molecular identification using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Sequence analysis revealed close similarity to Rothia halotolerans, two distinct strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Mycolicibacterium bacteremicum, Rhizobium sp., Microbacterium sp., and Leifsonia shinshuensis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study documenting these particular bacterial taxa as endophytes with plant growth-promoting potential associated with D. quercifolia. Among the identified isolates, Agrobacterium tumefaciens demonstrated the most pronounced plant growth–promoting activity.