Optimization of surface sterilization method to isolate endophytic bacteria and fungi from the fine root of Encelia farinosa

Desert plants recruit beneficial endophytic microbes and play an important role in ecosystem conversation. To recover these microbes, epiphytic microbes must be eliminated through the efficiency of surface sterilization. In the current study, different concentrations of sterilant with varying exposure times have been assessed to isolate fungal and bacterial endophytes from the fine root of Encelia farinosa. The methods involved washing fine roots with various concentrations of sodium hypochlorite for different exposure times to optimize surface sterilization for isolating endophytes. The result indicates that treatment 1 of 0.1% sodium hypochlorite for 1 minute was found effective. Future research will identify bacteria and fungi that can promote growth, provide biological control, and produce enzymes.