Culturable endophytic bacteria from stems and leaves of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Background. Endophytic microorganisms inhabit internal tissues of most plants. However, little is known about endophytic community of the garden pea ( Pisum sativum L.), an agriculturally important crop. Materials and methods. Culturable endophytic bacteria were isolated from sterilized stems and leaves of three pea genotypes: K-8274 (cv. Vendevil), K-3358 (unnamed cultivar), and cv. Triumph. The taxonomic position of isolates was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The plant growth-promoting capabilityof identified bacteria was tested on the roots of watercress ( Lepidium sativum L.). Results. In total, out of 118 morphotypes of culturable endophytic bacteria identified, for 80 the taxonomic position was determined. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were dominant phyla, and Actinobacteria were present in minority. Eight bacterial isolates demonstrated the plant growth-promoting capability, and one of them – KV17 ( Rahnella sp.) maintained this capability after several passages and prolonged storage. Conclusion. The plant growth-promoting bacteria isolated from pea stems and leaves can become a component of microbiological preparations.