THE PRESENCE, POPULATION STRUCTURE, AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ENDOPHYTIC BACTERIA IN THE AMERICAN CRANBERRY

A preliminary survey of the presence and potential benefits of bacteria, many of which are endophytic, associated with wild and cultivated American cranberry (Vaccimium macrocarpon) aboveground tissues was undertaken in the most important growing region in Wisconsin, USA. Bacterial associates were isolated from all shoots studied, but populations varied between sample sites, especially wild versus cultivated areas. Actinomycetes capable of inhibiting fungal growth and bacteria capable of growth in nitrogen-limited medium were detected. We are now looking at the nitrogen-fixation and antibiosis capacities of these bacteria isolated from cranberry.