Diversity and antibacterial activity of endophytic Streptomyces isolated from Artemisia spp. in Algerian extreme habitats

Endophytic Streptomyces, known for their symbiotic relationships with medicinal plants and their production of bioactive compounds, have been isolated from diverse environments, including deserts. The extreme conditions of the Sahara, including nutrient limitation, high temperatures, and salinity, promote unique adaptive traits, making it a potential source of novel actinobacteria. This study reports the isolation of endophytic Streptomyces from Artemisia judaica L. ssp. sahariensis, Artemisia campestris, and Artemisia herba alba Asso, medicinal plants collected from Algeria ' s sebkha, mountain, and desert regions. Their bioactive potential was assessed through enzymatic and antibacterial activity screening. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed that all 40 isolates belonged to the genus Streptomyces. The isolates were evaluated for temperature and salt tolerance, pigment production, antibacterial activity, phosphate solubilization, and enzyme synthesis. A majority (77.5%) exhibited antagonistic activity against two or more tested pathogenic bacteria. All strains grew at NaCl concentrations up to 5%, while strain AR5 tolerated up to 20%. Approximately 25% of the isolates displayed phosphate-solubilizing capacity (SI 1.18 to 1.73), indicating potential as biofertilizers. Only 10% of the strains produced all eight enzymes tested: amylase, protease, cellulase, lipase, esterase, pectinase, gelatinase, and xylanase. Several strains, notably AL1, AL3, AR14, and AR23, exhibited strong hydrolytic enzyme activity, while AL3 and AR6 demonstrated broader enzymatic profiles, underscoring their biotechnological potential. These findings suggest that Artemisia species from Algeria ' s extreme habitats represent a promising reservoir of bioactive endophytic Streptomyces.