Characterization of phosphate solubilizing and cellulolytic fungi isolated from soil under Eurycoma longifolia stands

Abstract

Eurycoma longifolia is one of the potential medicinal plants and has a high economic value if developed. The bioactive compound produced by E. longifolia has potential as medicine, thus causing increased exploitation of their habitat. This condition resulted in the decreasing population of E .longifolia in nature. The distribution of E. longifolia is influenced by soil fertility conditions. The presence of phosphate solubilizing fungi and cellulolytic fungi in the soil can support the growth of E. longifolia in nature. The purpose of this study was to calculate the population of phosphate solubilizing and cellulolytic fungi and to identify the types of phosphate solubilizing and cellulolytic fungi found in the soil under E. longifolia stands. Soil samples were taken randomly at a depth of 0–20 cm in a natural forest of Papaso Village, Lubu Sutam District, Padang Lawas Regency, North Sumatra. Population and isolation of phosphate solubilizing and cellulolytic fungi were obtained by dilution methods. The isolates obtained were identified morphologically to the genus level by macroscopic and microscopic observation of colonies. The results showed that the population of phosphate solubilizing and cellulolytic fungi were 6.64 × 104 CFU/mL and 9.31 × 103 CFU/mL, respectively. The isolation results in 11 isolates of phosphate solubilizing and 10 isolates of cellulolytic fungi. Based on the morphological identification of phosphate solubilizing fungi isolates consisted of 5 genera, namely Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Fusarium, and Mucor, while isolates of cellulolytic fungi also included 5 genera, namely Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Mucor.