Endophytic bacteria from Capsicum annuum var. grossum cultivars and their inhibitory effects on Listeria monocytogenes

Endophytic microorganisms living inside plant tissues might have numerous positive effects on the host plants. Endophytes can promote the growth and yield of the plant, help to remove contaminants from the tissues, and can suppress growth of pathogens; however, some enteric human pathogenic bacteria have also been isolated as endophytes. The aims of our study were the characterisation and identification of endophytic coliform bacteria isolated from different cultivars of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum) using a selective (VRBL) agar medium, and determination of antagonistic interactions between these endophytes and Listeria monocytogenes. The bacterial isolates showed heterogeneity based on their phenotypic and genotypic properties. Results of identification by molecular biological methods also confirmed the presence of different genera/species. When the antagonistic effect of the isolated endophytic bacteria was tested it was found that one isolate — identified as Pseudomonas putida — showed significant inhibition on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes