The Potential of Endophyte Bacteria Isolated from Zea mays L. as Phytase Producers

Abstract

This study was aimed at isolating endophytic bacteria from Zea mays L. that have potential as phytase enzyme producers. Isolation and screening were performed using the Phytase Selective Media (PSM) medium. Bacteria that grew and formed a clear zone around the colony on the media were indicated as phytase-producer bacteria. The isolates with the highest phytanic index were further characterized based on morphology and physiological properties, then molecularly identified based on a 16S-rRNA analysis. Based on the results of Zea mays L. endophytic bacterial screening, bacterial isolate HF.7, was shown to be qualitatively able to produce phytase and can be developed as a phytase producer. Based on morphological and biochemical characterization, HF.7 belonged to the Burkholderia genus. Further molecular identification with 16S-rRNA analysis revealed that HF.7 isolate had 99% similarity with Burkholderia lata.

Keywords

• endophytic bacteria
• phytase
• phytic acid
• zea mays