A variety of endophytic bacteria thrive inside plants, enhancing their growth under a variety of conditions. By modulating growth and stress hormones directly, they improve nutrient uptake and nutrient utilization. There are a number of ways in which endophytic bacteria can improve plant health indirectly, including antibiotics, hydrolytic enzymes, nutrient limitations, and priming plant defenses. Maize roots were used in the present study to isolate salt-tolerant bacteria. Bacteria were exposed to salinity stresses of 50mM, 100mM, 150mM, and 200mM and showed a tolerance of 200mM of NaCl. The LB media were used to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Ammonia was also produced by isolates, as confirmed by Nessler's reagent. It was found that the isolates tested positive for catalase. Based on all these findings, the endophytes might be useful in agriculture.

Keyword: endophytes, salinity, phytohormone, abiotic stress