A diverse community of jute (Corchorus spp.) endophytes reveals mutualistic host-microbe interactions

Endophytes are plant-associated microbes that live within plants as an integral part of the host metabolism and function. This study aimed to identify the molecular and physiological characteristics of both culturable and non-culturable endophytic bacteria and fungi present in different parts of the jute (Corchorus olitorius) plant. Using universal primers used to amplify hypervariable bacterial 16S rDNA and fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of 18S rDNA, we identified five different culturable and 20 non-culturable endophytic bacteria as well as 14 different fungal endophytes from various parts of jute. Biochemical and physiological tests suggest that these microbes may bring a wide range of benefits to their hosts. For example, all five culturable endophytic bacteria were positive for auxin and catalase activity, which may lead to improved root elongation and stress resistance, respectively. These bacteria also have metal uptake, haemolytic and hydrolytic activities that could be useful in medical, environmental and industrial applications. The fungal endophytes were positive for lignin peroxidase, cellulase and xylanase activities, all of which may influence jute physiology. Another important finding was the antifungal activity of one of the fungi against a devastating pernicious fungus that affects hundreds of plant species.