ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ENDOPHYTIC BACTERIA FROM DIFFERENT ORGANS OF PUNICA GRANATUM AND ASSESSMENT OF THEIR ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY

Punica granatum, pomegranate, endophytic bacteria, antifungal activity, antibacterial activity, biocontrol.

Authors

In this study, endophytic bacteria were isolated from various organs - roots, stems, and leaves - of the Punica granatum (pomegranate) plant. The morphological and cultural characteristics of the isolated strains were identified, and the structure of their cell walls was analyzed microscopically using the Gram staining method. The antifungal activity of the endophytic bacteria against phytopathogenic fungi was evaluated under in vitro conditions, and highly active isolates were selected. The results indicate the potential use of endophytic bacteria as biological control agents.