Abstract

Earthworms, integral to agricultural ecosystems, profoundly influence soil fertility and plant growth. With rising concerns about the ecological impacts of chemical farming, the search for sustainable alternatives has intensified. This study explores the mutualistic interaction between the gut microbiome of Eudrilus eugeniae and the endophytic root bacteria of Beta vulgaris, focusing on their role in the degradation of organic matter. Bacterial colonies were identified through a two-step isolation process, with strains Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus paramycoides showing enhanced cellulase and pectinase activity. Quantitative enzymatic assays revealed that co-cultivation of these bacteria resulted in a significant increase in reducing sugar concentrations—112 mg/ml for pectinase and 10 mg/ml for cellulase. These findings underscore the symbiotic enhancement of enzymatic degradation, highlighting its potential role in sustainable agriculture and soil microbiome management. Such microbial interactions may offer biotechnological applications for improving soil health and organic matter decomposition.

Key words: Earthworm, endophytic, cellulase, pectinase, sustainable agriculture.