POPULATION VARIATION OF ENDOPHYTIC ACTINOMYCETE IN SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX (L) MERRIL)

Abstract

Present investigation was carried out to study variation in endophytic actinomycete population colonizing
soybean cultivated in vertisol. Endophytic population was assessed at different growth stages of soybean (C.V. JS-
335) viz., vegetative and reproductive stages. A 186 (25.86 %) isolates were obtained from vegetative growth
stages (V1-V5) and 533 (74.13 %) from reproductive growth stages. As plant grows the endophytic population
increases progressively however, at the onset of reproductive stages viz., R1-R8 the endophytic population starts
to decrease and attains a stable value at R8 stage. The maximum endophytic population was found at V4-V5 stages
(1.83±0.05 and 1.89±0.06) and R1-R3 stages (1.80±0.03, 1.78±0.04 and 1.74±0.03) at which the plant
attains maturity. Our investigation provides a valuable insight in understanding of endophytic microorganisms in
their unique ecological habitat.