Identification of two strains of Paenibacillus sp. as indole 3 acetic acid-producing rhizome-associated endophytic bacteria from Curcuma longa.

Curcuma longa is well known for its use as spice and medicine. The remarkable feature of the plant is the presence of rhizome, which provides an interesting habitat for association by various groups of bacteria. Some of these associated endophytic bacteria can have growth-promoting effects. In the current study, two species of endophytic Paenibacillus has been identified from the rhizome as indole 3 acetic acid producers. These isolates can thus have potential growth-regulating effect in rhizomes.