Effect of plant genotype and geographical location on the frequency of endophytic Methylobacterium in two strawberry cultivars fruit

Endophytes are microorganisms (bacteria or fungi or actinomycetes) that reside inside the internal tissues of plant with no negative effect on host plants. Endophytic bacteria trigger many positive effects on host plants. The aroma and flavor of strawberry fruit are important characteristics that is affected by endophytic bacteria such as Methylobacterium. Endophytic bacteria, are effective in the synthesis of carotenoids and the production of volatile and phenolic compounds. In addition, they are effective in producing the aromatic components in fruit. Endophytic bacterial frequency and genotype can be affected by host plant genotype, climatic and soil conditions. This study was carried out to isolate endophytic bacteria from two strawberry cultivars (Kurdistan and Parous) in three regions (Angouzan, Gavrood and Noshur) in Kurdistan province. For accurate identification of bacterial isolates, 16S-rRNA gene sequencing was used for identification of purified endophytic isolates and their frequency determined at different times of fruit ripening. The results revealed that the all endophytic bacterial isolates from both cultivars were belong to the genus Methylobacterium. The frequency of these bacteria was statistically different in two cultivars and in different sampling time. The frequency of Methylobacterium significantly was higher in Kurdistan cultivar compared to Parous cultivar in all three regions (p <0.05). The highest frequency of Methylobacterium was observed in the fruit ripening time. It seems that Methylobacterium and its frequency probably have an effect on the aroma and delicacy of these two varieties.