Abstract:Objective We isolated endophytes from the roots of Isatis indigotica Fort. and investigated the effects of endophytes on the growth, physiology, and medicinal quality of I. indigotica, aiming to provide a reference for microbial regulation of the cultivation and production of this plant.Methods The relevant culture media were selected to analyze the plant growth-promoting activities of the endophytes. Three endophyte strains (Bacillus sp. BC00, Bacillus sp. BV11, and Pseudomonas sp. PA28) were selected and applied singly to I. indigotica four times. The physiological indexes of the leaves were measured at different time points after the last treatment, and the growth and physiological indexes and the content of active ingredients of the roots and the leaves were measured at the harvesting stage.Results The photosynthetic pigment content and nutrient-metabolizing enzyme activities of I. indigotica leaves in each treatment group were higher than those in the control group at each time point. The three strains of endophytic bacteria significantly promoted the growth and biomass accumulation of I. indigotica. Strain BC00 had the best promoting effect on the dry weight of the above-ground part, which was increased by 74.16% compared with that of the control. Strain BV11 had the most significant promoting effect on the dry weight of the below-ground part, which was increased by 216.02% compared that of the control. The treatments with endophytic bacteria significantly affected the content of endogenous hormones and soluble substances. The three strains of endophytic bacteria had different effects on the active ingredients. Compared with the control, strain BC00 increased the content of indigo and epigoitrin by 7.83% and 5.64%, respectively, while strain BV11 slightly decreased the content of indigo and epigoitrin. The total active biomass of each index ingredient in the strain treatments was significantly higher than that of the control.Conclusion The endophytic bacterial strains BC00, BV11, and PA28 had significant promoting effects on the growth, physiological indexes, and active ingredients of I. indigotica, and strain BC00 demonstrated the best comprehensive promoting effect. The findings provide a basis for the later development of microbial fertilizers conducive to the growth of I. indigotica.