Metagenomic Study of The Communities of Bacterial Eendophytes in The Rubber Hevea Brasiliensis leaves and Their Role in Biotic Stress Resistance in The Plant

Abstract Hevea brasiliensis , the primary source of natural rubber, is vulnerable to leaf-fall diseases that reduce yield. Endophytic bacteria play key roles in enhancing plant health and resilience. This study used a culture-independent metagenomic approach to profile endophytic bacterial communities in symptomatic and asymptomatic rubber tree leaves. DNA was extracted, and the V3–V5 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using Illumina technology. Bioinformatic analysis with QIIME identified operational taxonomic units (OTUs), taxonomic composition, and diversity indices. Cyanobacteria and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla, with notable differences in community structure between healthy and diseased leaves. Functional predictions suggest roles in nitrogen fixation, antimicrobial production, and plant immune modulation. These findings improve understanding of H. brasiliensis microbiota and support the development of microbial-based strategies for sustainable disease management.