ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize endophytes in Eichhornia crassipes. Endophytic bacteria live in the interior of healthy plants without causing them any damage. These bacteria are of biotechnological interest; they may be used in the biological control of pests and plant diseases, and in the pharmaceutical industry. The aquatic macrophytes Eichhornia crassipes belong to the Pontederiaceae family. Ten (10) isolates belonging to endophytic bacteria were isolated from the leave and stem of Eichhornia crassipes. The isolated endophitic bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=3), Bacillus species (n=4) and Micrococcus species (n=3). The zone of inhibition of the endophytic organisms isolated in this study on selected bacteria which include Staphylococcus spp. Diplobacilli, and Streptobacillus sp. showed Micrococcus species inhibit Staphylococcus sp. [A] (14.00mm) and Staphylococcus sp. B (12.00mm); Bacillus specie inhibit Staphylococcus sp. [A] (10.00mm), Streptobacilli [A] (10.00mm), Streptobacilli [B] (20.00mm), Staphylococus sp. [B] (12.00mm) and Streptobacilli [C] (10.00mm). Pseudomonas sp. inhibit Streptobacili sp. [A] (10.00), Streptobacilli sp. [B] (10.00) and Streptobacilli [c] (10.00mm). Studying the endophytic population is something important, due to it biotechnological application, because it has great potential against resistant pathogens.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE: Introduction
1.0 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of Research Problems
1.3 Justification of the Study
1.4 Aim of the Study
1.5 Specific Objectives of the Study
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Eichhornia crassipes
2.2 Biology, Chemical Composition and Ecology of E. crassipes
2.3 E. crassipes Impacts on Biodiversity Loss
2.4 Economic impacts of E. crassipes
2.5 Endophytic Microorganism
2.6 Endophytic Fungi
2.7 Plant Colonization by Endophytic Fungi
2.8 Relationship between Plant and Endophyte
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Materials and Methods
3.1 Collection of Samples
3.2 Materials and Apparatus Used
3.3 Media Preparation
3.4 Preparation of Eichhornia crassipes stem bark
3.5 Morphological Characterization
3.6 Biochemical Test
3.6.1 Catalase Test
3.6.2 Oxidase test
3.7 Lactophenol staining
3.8 Examination of Antimicrobial Activities
3.8.1 Agar Diffusion Assay
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Results
CHAPTER FIVE: Discussion and Conclusion
5.1 Discussion
5.2 Conclusion
References
