SCREENING, CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATIONS OF ENDOPHYTES FROM QATARI HALOPHYTES

Abstract

Saline soil poses a significant challenge for plant growth in arid and semi-arid regions. The harsh climatic and environmental conditions in Qatar and the Gulf region have led to highly saline soil, severely limiting crop production for plants not tolerant to salinity. This research aims to address these challenges by harnessing the potential of endophytes to enhance plant resistance to salinity, combat pathogens, and promote plant growth. Endophytes are microorganisms that reside within plant tissues, forming beneficial relationships that support host plants. Known for their ability to enhance plant growth and nutrient uptake, endophytes also produce bioactive metabolites, such as steroids, quinones, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins, which have various properties, including anti-insect, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. These microorganisms play a crucial role in helping plants adapt to both biotic and abiotic stressors, ultimately leading to increased biomass suitable for phytoremediation. Endophytes form symbiotic relationships with plants and are often referred to as natural fertilizers because they provide nutrients, water, and protection against pathogens in exchange for plant-produced photosynthetic products. While endophytes can be isolated from plant, there is limited knowledge about those associated with plants in saline environments. The primary objective of this project was to isolate fungal and bacterial endophytes from halophytic plants and evaluate their tolerance to salinity, antagonistic properties, growth-promoting activity, and potential application in enhancing plant growth and biocontrol capabilities. The plants studied were Limonium axillare and Tetraena qatarensis. The halophytic plants in Qatar exhibited a rich diversity of endophytes, which demonstrated promising results in the conducted tests. These preliminary findings pave the way for further exploration of these valuable organisms, which could significantly benefit the agricultural sector.