Isolated phytobacteria producing indole acetic acid from Lemna gibba plants and their ecological role in a water channel of chinampera zone of Lake Xochimilco, Mexico

Abstract

Background. Bacteria endophytes, harmless symbiotic organisms that promote plant growth and development, have been considered useful tools for ecosystem restauration. Goals. The present study characterized bacteria endophytes isolated from Lemna gibba plants (collected in the chinampera area of Xochimilco canals over two seasons) according to the amount of indole acetic acid production. Methods. Twelve phytobacteria species were found; eight in plants collected through the drought season belonging to the genera Achromobacter, Bacillus, Deinococcus, Enterococcus, and four in plants collected during the rainy season of the genus Serratia. Results. According to their indole acetic acid production, four of the phytobacteria isolated from plants collected in the dry season were characterized as low producers and four as high producers. All the organisms obtained from plants gathered during the rainy season were classified as high producers. Conclusions. The presence of endophytic bacteria producing large amounts of indole acetic acid in Lemna gibba plants suggests that these organisms could promote plant development and act as potential bioinoculants.