Types of endophytic bacteria associated with traditional medicinal plant Lantana camara Linn.

Abstract

Background: Traditionally, Lantana camara plant (Family: Verbenaceae) is used in herbal medicine as an antiseptic for wounds, in the treatment of skin itches, and externally for leprosy and scabies. The leaves of this plant possess adulticidal activity against different mosquito species. Endophytic bacteria (EB) can produce bioactive compounds found in their host; hence, investigation to find out what types of EB are associated with L. camara is necessary. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to isolate and identify EB associated with L. camara. Materials and methods:Lantana camara twigs along with the leaves and fruits samples were collected; and EB were isolated from surface-sterilized tissue samples. The 16S rRNA gene fragments were amplified using PCR method; and endophytic bacterial isolates (EBIs) were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity method. Results: Cultivable, 50 EBIs were analyzed; and analysis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences suggests that varied 40 types of EB are associated with L. camara. Majority (24%) of EBIs were from Bacillus genus. Conclusion: Thus, we conclude that Lantana camara plants harbour a wide array of cultivable endophytic bacteria.