Characterisation of Novel Seed Endophytes in Medicago sativa

Characterisation of Novel Seed Endophytes in Medicago sativa

The microbiome of plants is essential in their development and health. Seed endophytes are microorganisms that live within the seeds of plants, the majority of which are believed to be non-pathogenic, although more research is needed to better understand the function of seed endophytes. They are present from the beginning growth stages and play many important roles. A variety of bacterial species have been found as seed endophytes. They have also been found to have common functions for colonization, benefiting plant growth, and antifungal properties. In this project, seed endophytes were isolated from surface sterilized Medicago sativa seeds on selective media for potassium solubilization, actinomycetes, and nitrogen free media. Sterilized seeds were germinated and planted in Yosida agar. The sterilized plants were then inoculated with the seed endophyte isolates and uptake of the isolates into the plant roots was measured. The methods were improved, germinating the seeds in sterile water often led to self toxicity and the seeds germinated at a much higher rate using the Murashige and Skoog Medium. Several sources of contamination within the protocol were found and eliminated. The isolates also underwent DNA extraction and colony PCR for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Using this method a Pseudomonas species was identified. Seed endophytes from Medicago sativa were characterized.

Sarah Lott

5/1/2022

Katherine Moccia

Microbiology

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50 pages

eng

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2022_Microbiology_Lott - Sara Guariglia

Wagner College, Staten Island, NY

Thesis

2022