Endophytic and epiphytic bacteria associated with Sphagnum mosses as perspective objects for agricultural biotechnology

The aim of this study was to isolate promising bacterial strains associated with Sphagnum mosses possessing beneficial properties for agricultural crops as perspective objects for agricultural biotechnology. Previously it was shown that Sphagnum mosses are associated with unique microorganisms which have important functions for Sphagnum mosses and for the bog ecosystem as a whole. Study was focused on sampling of two Sphagnum species from bogs located at different geographical areas of the Kolskyi peninsula (Russia) and Alps mountains (Austria) which plays a different ecological role in the ecosystem of bogs. About 150 strains of bacteria were isolated from the tissues of Sphagnum plants, their culture and morphology properties have been investigated. Antagonistic properties of isolated strains against a number of phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria have been studied. It was shown that more than 60% of all isolates demonstrated strong antifungal properties (in vitro). Strains capable of promoting plantgrowth, grow on the nitrogen-free medium and solubilize of not soluble phosphates were selected. Selected strains can be used for further study in greenhouse experiments with agricultural crops