Characterization of bacterial endophytes with antagonistic potential and plant growth promotion in white corn (Zea mays L.)

The objective of this study was to molecularly characterize endophytic bacteria isolated from white corn plants (Zea mays L.) and evaluate in vitro the metabolic and antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi. PIONEER 4032 DEKALB hybrid white corn plants were collected, a variety planted during the fall-winter 2022-2023 cycle; endophytic bacteria were isolated from tissue (leaf, stem and root); the colonization diversity presented significant variations in the plant tissue.