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Isolation, identification and antibacterial activity of endophytes from the seeds of Panax japonicus

Summary

This study investigated microscopic organisms living inside Panax japonicus seeds to understand why these seeds are difficult to grow. Researchers found the best way to clean the seeds and identified ten different microorganism species living in them. Most of these were fungi that may actually prevent seed germination, while certain bacteria species appear beneficial for plant growth and could potentially be used to improve seed cultivation in the future.

Background

Panax japonicus is a valued medicinal plant used in traditional medicine with various pharmacological effects. Seeds of P. japonicus exhibit difficult germination with high contamination rates during culture. Endophytes from medicinal plants are known to promote plant growth and improve medicinal plant quality.

Objective

To isolate and identify endophytic fungi and bacteria from P. japonicus seeds, determine optimal seed disinfection conditions, and evaluate the antibacterial activity of isolated endophytes and their metabolites.

Results

Optimal disinfection achieved 3.33% contamination rate using 75% alcohol for 30s and 1% HgCl2 for 9 minutes. Seven endophytic fungal strains were isolated (four Fusarium tricinctum, one Fusarium reticulatum, one Fusarium sarcochroum, one Alternaria alternata) and three bacterial strains (two Enterobacteriaceae, one Pseudomonas sp.). Limited antibacterial activity was observed with only strain Pj Z4 inhibiting E. coli and strains Pj Z3, Pj Z4, Pj Z5, Pj Z7 inhibiting B. subtilis; metabolites showed no antibacterial activity.

Conclusion

Optimal seed disinfection conditions were established for P. japonicus. Fusarium species and Alternaria alternata appear to be pathogenic rather than growth-promoting endophytes, potentially contributing to germination difficulty. Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas species are identified as potential growth-promoting endophytes suitable for future cultivation applications.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Experimental Laboratory Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41066337, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0330436
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