Identification of Rhizosphere Endophytes and Evaluation of Their Impact on Growth of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.)

Endophytic microorganisms promote root growth, improve nutrient uptake efficiency and produce more yields. By collaborating with endophytic microorganisms, plants experience enhanced growth. This study was focused on endophytes from Chia plants in Bhukkapatna, Tumakur with the objective of molecular characterization of efficient endophytic microorganisms and its impact on growth of Chia. Twelve bacterial isolates were identified, with eight displaying nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilisation, potassium fixation, production of IAA, GA, siderophore and exopolysaccharide production. Molecular characterization using 16S rRNA revealed their identities as Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus cereus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Enterobacter cloacae. Among these, Enterobacter cloacae (CEPB8) exhibited highest positive impact on Chia plant growth. In greenhouse conditions, treatments involving combinations of all four demonstrated the highest plant height (35.467cm) and biomass (158.37 grams) at harvest, surpassing the control group. Combined treatments outperformed individual strains, highlighting synergy. The study affirms that endophytic microorganisms significantly enhanced growth in Chia plant.