Diversity and Extracellular Enzyme Production of Fungal Endophytes from the Genus Ocimum L.

Abstract

Ocimum tenuiflorum, O. gratissimum, and O. basilicum are medicinal plants extensively used in the traditional medicine of Kerala. The study is aimed at investigating the endophytic mycoflora associated with these Ocimum species and their ability to produce enzymes in vitro. A total of 149 fungal endophytes were isolated from roots, stems, and leaf segments from July to November 2021. They were grouped into 27 morphotypes, including five non-sporulating taxa. The highest number of isolates were obtained from the plant O. basilicum. An equally lower number of isolates were obtained from O. gratissimum and O. tenuiflorum. A greater number of fungal endophytes were obtained from the leaf segments of O.basilicum and least number of isolates obtained from the leaf segments of O.gratissimum. Isolates of Aspergillus niger complex, Diaporthe sp., and Daldinia eschscholtzii showed the highest colonizing frequency. In vitro analysis for enzyme production by all morphotypes was done and, except for laccase, all tested enzymes showed positive results.