Isolation Of Endophytic Fungi Research Articles

In Vitro Evaluation of the Antagonism of Saprophyte and Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) Against Soil-Transmitted Diseases Sclerotium rolfsii

Certain soil-borne diseases can have a detrimental effect on the quality and quantity of peanut production. One of the soil-borne diseases is Sclerotium rolfsii, a fungus that is the primary limiting factor in peanut plants. An alternative to controlling this fungus is to use saprophytic and endophytic fungi. The purpose of this study was to evaluate several saprophytic and endophytic fungi isolated from peanut plants in vitro as antagonistic agents against S. rolfsii. Isolation of saprophytic and endophytic fungi was carried out using the stratified dilution method. The fungal antagonism test was carried out using a non-factorial completely randomized design with 3 replications. The parameters observed in this study included the inhibiting zone, the diameter of the isolate colonies, the growth area, and the interaction of saprophytic and endophytic fungi with S. rolfsii. Five families and eight species of soil fungi were identified using macroscopic and microscopic identification techniques. The type of soil fungus has a large impact on the growth rate and inhibition area. Mucor hiemalis grew at the fastest rate, while Rhizopus oryzae had the largest inhibition zone.

Isolation of Endophytic Fungi from Green Pepper (Piper Nigrum) and Analysis of Phytochemicals and their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity

Isolation of Endophytic Fungi from Green Pepper (Piper Nigrum) and Analysis of Phytochemicals and their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity

Differential Laccase Production among Diverse Fungal Endophytes in Aquatic Plants of Hulimavu Lake in Bangalore, India

The ability of plants to acclimatise and thrive in stressed environments can be attributed, in part, to the reserve of endophytic fungi that they harbour, that help enhance physiological and immunological defence and tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stressors. The present work has focussed on screening laccase producing endophytic fungi residing in different aquatic plants isolated from Hulimavu Lake, Bengaluru. This lake is well known for its water pollution contributed by anthropogenic factors. Survival of plants in this lake can hence be associated with their rich repertoire of endophytic fungi that enhance host plant defence towards stressors. Upon isolation and culturing of endophytic fungi, qualitative laccase detection using laccase specific growth media and quantitative laccase estimation using ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) substrate were performed. Differential production rates were observed for the laccase enzyme by different endophytic fungi; production rates also varied between fungi isolated from different parts like node, stem, root and leaf of the same plant species too. Phylogenetic analysis of fungal isolates with highest laccase production was performed and the species was found to be Cladosporium tenuissimum. Even the crude extract of this strain displayed laccase production of 42.16U/L, as revealed by ABTS assay. Hence this strain is a promising candidate for optimization studies for utilisation in the domain of bioremediation and industrial applications.

Isolation and morphological identification of endophytic fungi from leaves and stems of Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk. originating from Java Island, Indonesia

Isolation and morphological identification of endophytic fungi from leaves and stems of Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk. originating from Java Island, Indonesia

An Overview of Stress-Tolerant Promoting Endophytic Fungal Isolates from Hiyung Chilli Grown in South Kalimantan

Endophytic fungi are a unique class of microorganisms that lives in plant tissues. These fungi could spread from roots to shoots and interact with nearly all plants in a symbiotic, mutualistic, or commensal manner. Endophytic fungi are believed to exert several roles related to plant growth, including the ability to tolerate stress, especially in Hiyung chilli plants. This plant is widely cultivated in Indonesia and is a well-known host for endophytic fungi. The Hiyung chilli is a popular variety grown in the South Kalimantan Province, which receives national recognition and is geographically certified by the Indonesian government. This wetland-cultivated chilli plant has a uniquely high capsaicin content and long fruit shelf life compared to other varieties. Although endophytic fungal isolates are prevalently found on chilli plants, their potential to influence the growth of their host remains to be proven beyond a doubt. This review emphasizes the sparse reports on the potential of these antagonistic fungi in protecting chilli plants against other pathogens by producing auxin/Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) and capsaicin. The study hypothesised that the antagonistic abilities of these endophytic fungi against other fungal pathogens are related to their IAA- and capsaicin production that synergistically increase the chili plants' threshold against biotic and abiotic stress.

Laccase Production Under Optimized Parameters by Aspergillus oryzae, an Endophytic Fungus and their Application to Waste Water Treatment

Objective: To isolate an endophytic fungal laccase producer from the Ziziphus mauritiana plant leaves in the surroundings of paper mill effluents and to study its role in the decolorization of synthetic dyes, removal of COD and phenol from industrial effluents. Methods: Laccase-producing endophytic fungi were isolated and screened by using an agar plate method. The positive isolates were identified, and laccase activity was determined by using spectrophotometric methods to monitor the oxidation of guaiacol and optimizing various parameters affecting laccase production. The molecular mass of the purified laccase enzyme was determined by using 12% SDSgel electrophoresis. Industrial effluents were treated with laccase to remove phenol, decolorize dyes, and reduce chemical oxygen demand. For the analysis, a spectrophotometric method was employed. Findings: One of the most effective endophytic fungal isolates, Aspergillus oryzae, was screened as a maximum laccase producer. The optimal pH of 6, temperature of 35 oC, inoculation period of 8 days, and the inoculum number of 3 discs/100 ml of Czapek Dox Broth in submerged culture were determined for the maximum laccase production. Sucrose and sodium nitrate, as carbon and nitrogen sources, considerably assisted laccase production. The molecular weight of the isolated laccase from A. oryzae was 66 kDa. The greatest activity was determined to be 64.2 U/mL, which is two times more than under unoptimized conditions. After the fifth day of exposure, the A. oryzae laccase decolorizes the synthetic dyes Bromophenol blue, Congo red, Methyl orange, and Phenol red.Chemical oxygen demand and phenolic pollutants’ clearance rates were 38–43% and 60% from coal and textile effluents during their exposure times, respectively. Novelty: A. oryzae was discovered to be a potent natural laccase producer endophytic fungus from paper mill effluents, which may be used for decolorizing non-textile dyes, treatment of various industrial effluents, and other industrial purposes. Keywords: Endophytic Fungi; Aspergillus oryzae; Laccase; Chemical oxygen demand; Synthetic dyes

Endophytic fungi and their potential in controlling white root disease of cashew

White root disease is a significant disease of cashew caused by Rigidoporus sp. Five endophytic fungal isolates, namely AR31D (Fusarium proliferatum), AR42D (Penicillium citrinum), BR32C (Trichoderma asperellum), VNTB1 (Chaetomium sp.), and EAGS14 (Curvularia lunata), were assessed as the biocontrol agents against Rigidoporus sp. in vitro and in planta. The research objective was to obtain endophytic fungi that effectively control Rigidoporus sp. and their mechanisms. The in vitro test results showed that all isolates could inhibit Rigidoporus sp. and promote plant growth by producing volatile organic compounds, chitinase enzymes, and indole acetic acid. Meanwhile, only four isolates could solubilize phosphate with low-medium solubilization efficiency. The isolates successfully colonized the root of cashew saplings in 10–65%. The effectiveness of endophytic fungal isolates in controlling white root disease was determined by the mechanisms involved, such as resistance induction (increased activity of defense enzymes like polyphenol oxidase), chitinase enzyme production, indole acetic acid production, phosphate solubilization, and suppression of plant stress which observed from decreased malondialdehyde concentrations in saplings’ roots. Trichoderma asperellum and Chaetomium sp. were the best isolates with the highest control effectiveness and stimulating plant growth.

Production and bioprocessing of camptothecin from Aspergillus terreus, an endophyte of Cestrum parqui, restoring their biosynthetic potency by Citrus limonum peel extracts

The metabolic potency of fungi as camptothecin producer elevates their prospective use as an industrial platform for commercial production, however, the loss of camptothecin productivity by fungi with the storage and subculturing are the major obstacle. Thus, screening for endophytic fungal isolates inhabiting ethnopharmacological plants with an obvious metabolic stability and sustainability for camptothecin biosynthesis could be one of the most feasible paradigms. Aspergillus terreus ON908494.1, an endophyte of Cestrum parqui was morphologically and molecularly verified, displaying the most potent camptothecin biosynthetic potency. The chemical identity of A. terreus camptothecin was confirmed from the HPLC, FTIR and LC–MS/MS analyses, gave the same molecular structure and mass fragmentation patterns of authentic one. The purified putative camptothecin displayed a strong anticancer activity towards HepG-2 and MCF-7 with IC50 values 0.96 and 1.4 µM, respectively, with no toxicity to OEC normal cells. As well as, the purified camptothecin displayed a significant antifungal activity towards fungal human pathogen Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, and A. parasiticus, ensuring the unique structural activity relationships of A. terreus camptothecin, as a powerful dually active anticancer and antimicrobial agent. The camptothecin productivity of A. terreus was maximized by bioprocessing with Plackett–Burman design, with an overall 1.5 folds increment (170.5 µg/L), comparing to control culture. So, the optimal medium components for maximum yield of camptothecin by A. terreus was acid why (2.0 mL/L), Diaion HP20 (2.0 g/L), Amberlite XAD (2.0 g/L), dextrin (5.0 g/L), glucose (10.0 g/L), salicylic acid (2.0 g/L), serine (4.0 g/L), cysteine (4.0 g/L) and glutamate (10.0 g/L), at pH 6 for 15 days incubation. By the 5th generation of A. terreus, the camptothecin yield was reduced by 60%, comparing to zero culture. Interestingly, the productivity of camptothecin by A. terreus has been completely restored and over increased (210 µg/L), comparing to the 3rd generation A. terreus (90 µg/L) upon addition of methanolic extracts of Citrus limonum peels, revealing the presence of some chemical signals that triggers the camptothecin biosynthetic machinery. The feasibility of complete restoring of camptothecin biosynthetic-machinery of A. terreus for stable and sustainable production of camptothecin, pave the way for using this fungal isolate as new platform for scaling-up the camptothecin production.

Determination of the antibacterial properties of crude extracts of endophytic fungi isolated from <em>Acrostichum aureum</em> and <em>Sonneratia alba</em>

<p class="Default">Current issues associated with drug resistance and the adverse effects of synthetic agents have prompted researchers to focus on natural, medicinal agents such as mangroves and their associated fungal endophytes. The current study was developed to determine the antibacterial activities of crude extracts of endophytic fungi isolated from leaves, roots and stems of <em>Acrostichum aureum</em>, Karan koku in Sinhala and <em>Sonneratia alba</em>, Kirala in Sinhala. The endophytic fungal isolates were identified as <em>Aspergillus niger</em>, <em>Aspergillus ochraceus</em>, <em>Aspergillus fumigatus</em>, <em>Aspergillus terreus</em>, <em>Penicillium citrium </em>and <em>Penicillium resticulosum </em>and the respective crude extracts were generated using ethyl acetate. The crude extracts were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity tests (ABSTs) against two test organisms: <em>Staphylococcus aureus </em>(ATCC ®: 25923) and <em>Escherichia coli </em>(ATCC ®: 25922). The highest inhibitory action was exerted by <em>Penicillium resticulosum </em>against both the test organisms (<em>E. coli</em>: 15+0.05 mm; <em>S</em>. <em>aureus </em>22+0.05 mm) which was the most abundantly identified endophyte in this study. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of the crude extracts was detected to be 1. 25 mg/ ml. However, the highest bactericidal action was noted from <em>Penicillium citrinum</em>. It is evident that the fungal endophytes isolated from mangrove plants possess antibacterial properties that can be used as a natural source for the generation of antimicrobial therapeutics.

The inhibition of Fusarium wilt in Chili by Endophytic Fungi isolated from Green Betel (Piper betle L.) Leaf

Green Betel (Piper betle L.) leaves are often used as medicine by local people because they contain antibacterial and antifungal substances. These substances can be produced by plant metabolites and are also the results of metabolites produced by endophytic fungi. Endophytic fungus is an organism that is associated with healthy host tissues without causing disease symptoms. Endophytic fungi from betel leaf are used as biocontrol agents against Fusarium oxysporum causes wilt disease that attacks Chili (Capsicum annuum L.), which is one of the main agricultural commodities in Indonesia. Fusarium wilt disease is a disease that significantly reduces crop yields based on crop yields. This research was conducted in a chili farm in Cangkringan, Sleman, Yogyakarta. This study aimed to test the antagonism of endophytic fungi with the dual culture technique. Three types of green betel leaf endophytic fungi were used for dual culture test against Fusarium oxysporum. The observation result showed the highest inhibition ability of 73.37% dual culture method. The inhibitory mechanisms of green betel leaf endophytic fungal isolates include parasitism, antibiosis, and competition. Endophytic fungi of green betel leaf are effective as biocontrol agents of wilt Fusarium chili disease. ©2022 JNSMR UIN Walisongo. All rights reserved.

Saline Tolerant of Marine Endophytic Fungi from Teluk Kemang Malaysia – A Rich Source of Bioactive Material

Endophytic fungi have been reported to have the potential as an alternative source for active metabolites in drug discovery. In a recent study, bioactive compounds were isolated from marine endophytic fungi in Malaysia. However, marine endophytic fungi were not identified. In this study, therefore the 18 endophytic fungi that were isolated from eight marine seaweeds collected from Teluk Kemang Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia were identified and evaluated for their antimicrobial activity. Out of 18 marine endophytic fungi, 11 of them were successfully identified based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. Of the 11, six marine endophytic fungi (MV, CN, CS1, CS2, ED1, PA1) identified were Aspergillus sp, whereas the other marine endophytic fungi isolates (UF, ED2, PA2) had sequences that were similar to Exophiala dermatitidis, Diaporthe pseudomangiferae, Arthrinium xenocordella, Phanerochaete carnosa, and Psathyrella purpureobadia respectively. A significant antifungal activity against three pathogenic fungi was exhibited by using the disc diffusion method. Eight extracts (CN, CN1, MV, MV1, ED1, ED11, ED2, ED21, PA7, PA71) exhibited antifungal activity ranging from 6.5 mm ± 0.71 mm to 12mm±1.41 (p&lt;0.05) against Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum. The fungicidal effect of CN1 and ED11 extracts was detected at a lower concentration tested (0.625mg/mL) and the diameter of zone inhibitions for these two extracts (CN:9.0 mm ± 0.00 and ED11: 10.5 mm ± 0.71) were even bigger when compared to Amphotericin B (7.5mm ± 0.71). This study also showed that the salinity (additional 3% sea salt) influenced the growth, spore production, and antifungal properties of the marine endophytic fungi. Marine endophytic fungi isolated from the selected seaweeds in the present study, therefore represent a promising source of antifungal and warrant further detailed investigation.

Isolation and antibacterial activity of endophytic fungi from citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

Abstract. Fais MM, Yurnaliza Y, Hastuti LDS. 2022. Isolation and antibacterial activity of endophytic fungi from citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle). Biodiversitas 23: 6564-6569. Endophytic fungi are a group of functional microorganisms from plants that can be used as a sustainable source to produce bioactive metabolites including pharmaceuticals. Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle) is a kind of medicinal plant that could be used to research the capabilities of endophytic fungi it harbors. The objective of this study was to isolate different endophytic fungi from leaves and stem of citronella plant that may be able to produce antibacterial substances. The bacteria Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 were used in plug agar method to determine the potency of endophytic fungi as antibacterials. Using ITS1F and ITS4R primers, endophytic fungal isolates were identified molecularly. Result showed that total 20 isolates of endophytic fungi were obtained from citronella, 15 isolates from stem and 5 isolates from leaves. Three fungal isolates i.e. CNB 254, CNB 253, and CND 111, exhibited highly potent antagonistic activity against tested bacteria. The ethyl acetate extract had a higher antibacterial ability than methanol extract based on the diameter of inhibition zone formed. The three potential isolates were molecularly identified and submitted to GenBank, such as Trichoderma atrobrunneum CNB 253 (OP584477), Trichoderma afroharzianum CNB 254 (OP584478), and Fusarium pernambucanum CND 111(OP584479). The results of this study revealed that citronella grass has a relationship with endophytic fungi that include strains that may be exploited as a source of antimicrobials.

Isolasi, Uji Fitokimia Dan Aktivitas Antibakteri Jamur Endofit Bunga Sambiloto (Andrographis Paniculata)

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that live in plant tissues without harming the host plant. One of the plants that have potential as a host for endophytic fungi is the flower of the bitter plant (Andrographis paniculata) which contains secondary metabolites and has biological activity. The purpose of this study was to obtain fungal isolates and identify the content of secondary metabolites and antibacterial activity. The results of the isolation of endophytic fungi produced isolates of endophytic fungi with isolate code BS. Microscopic observation of BS isolates belonging to Chrysosporium spp. The results of the phytochemical test of the ethyl acetate extract were positive for terpenoid compounds marked with a pink color and the FTIR spectrum containing a dimethyl gem group. BS extract also could inhibit the growth of all test bacteria, namely E. coli and S. aureus at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5%.

KARAKTERISASI MAKROSKOPIK DAN MIKROSKOPIK SERTA ISOLASI DNA ISOLAT FUNGI ENDOFIT DAUN EKOR NAGA (Rhaphidophora pinnata L.F Schott)

Endophyte fungi generally produce secondary metabolites which have biological activities such as anticancer, antiviral, or antibacterial compounds. The endophytic fungi isolate of FM 2 code is one of the endophytic fungi samples of dragon tail leaf ( Rhaphidophora pinnata (L.f.) Schott) because it has the best activities. The research aimed to isolate DNA samples of the dragon-tail leaves and to identify the endophytic fungi isolates through macroscopic and microscopic observations. The significance of DNA isolation can be found through electrophoresis, which will show DNA band under the UV light. The results showed that the sample the endophytic fungi isolates on FM 2 code was identified conventionally by observing its morphological characters through macroscopic and microscopic identification compared to literature, showing the similarities to the genus Mucor sp . which will show DNA band under the UV light. The results showed that the sample of endophytic fungi was isolated by a transiluminator UV lamp indicating that the sample was successfully isolated

Isolation and Biological Activity of Endophytic Fungi isolated from Arak Medicinal Plant (Salvadora persica)

Isolation and Biological Activity of Endophytic Fungi isolated from Arak Medicinal Plant (Salvadora persica)

Isolation and Identification of Endophytic Fungi from Leaves, Stem and Flower of Clerodendrum thomsoniae Balf. f.

Abstract: Endophytic fungi are those living inside the host plant without causing any apparent negative effect on the host plant. 117 isolates of endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves, stem and flower of Clerodendrum thomsoniae. Collected from different areas of Mysore. All isolates were identified based on characteristics of the isolates such as colony appearance, mycelial texture, conidial spores size, shape, pigmentation, and other morphological characteristics observed using a microscope. The isolates of endophytic fungi were identified are Ascomycota and Basidiomycota and classified genera Sterile hyphae, Lasiodiplodiae sp, Rhizopus stolonifera sp, Aspergillus sp, Aspergillus conidiophore, Mycelium of Lentinus, Nigrospora sp, Nigrospora zimmermaniae sp, Curvularia sp, Collectrotrichum sp, Aspergillus fumigates sp. The overall colonization rate of endophytes in leaves, stem and flower were found to be 96.66%. The leaf showed a low percentage of colonization frequency of the endophytic fungi when compared to stems and flower segments.

Isolation and Identification of Endophytic Fungi from Leaves and Stem of Plumbago Auriculata Lam

Abstract: Endophytic fungi live inside the higher plants, apparently without causing any harm to the hosts and its produce the secondary metabolites are potential antimicrobial activity. Plumbago auriculata has been used as medicinal plant. In this study, isolation and identification of the endophytic fungi from P. auriculata collected from in and around Mysuru. About 80 segments (40 segments of each part of the plant) of P. auriculata for the isolation of the endophytic fungi. A total of 13 endophytic fungi was isolated and identified. The leaf segments showed a maximum endophytic fungus than the stem. Among the 13 endophytic fungi, the predominant endophytic fungi isolated belonged to the genera of Trichoderma sp., Aspergillus niger, Pestalotiopsis guepinii, Rhizopus stolonifer, Rhizopus sp., Colletotrichum sp., Fusarium sp. Further studies are required to screen these endophytic fungi for production of novel bioactive compounds

Endophytic fungi from South Sumatra (Indonesia) in seed-treated corn suppressing Spodoptera frugiperda growth

Abstract. Herlinda S, Gustianingtyas M, Suwandi S, Suharjo R, Sari JMP, Suparman, Hamidson H, Hasyim H. 2022. Endophytic fungi from South Sumatra (Indonesia) in seed-treated corn suppressing Spodoptera frugiperda growth. Biodiversitas 23: 6024-6031. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of endophytic fungi in seed-treated corn on S. frugiperda growth. A total of 20 isolates of endophytic fungi were molecularly identified, namely Chaetomium sp. (GaTpeOi, JgTjPr, PiCrPga, and CaCjPga isolates), Aspergillus niger (PsgTjPr, JgByU, and JaBuBys isolates), Beauveria bassiana (JgSPK, JaGiP, JaSpkPGA(2) isolates), JgCrJr, dan JaTpOi (1) isolates), Curvularia lunata (JaGiPRB, CMTJP, JaMsBys, JaSpkPga(3), and JgTgSr isolates), Aspergillus flavus (JgPWSR isolate), Penicillium citrinum (JaTpOi(2) isolate), and Metarhizium anisopliae (CaTpPGA isolate). Of the 20 isolates, 4 isolates (JgSPK, JaGiP, JgCrJr, JaTpOi (1)) of B. bassiana and one isolate of each C. lunata (JaSpkPga (3)), and M anisoplae (CaTpPga) were found to be more pathogenic to S. frugiperda larvae. The endophytic fungi had negative effect on S. frugiperda growth. B. bassiana, M. anisopliae, and C. lunata decreased the percentage of pupal and adult emergence, and the number of eggs laid by treated female adults. The fungi also shorten the adult longevity and increased the larval mortality. This is the first report of pathogenicity of C. lunata against S. frugiperda. These findings highlight the potential of endophytic fungi, namely B. bassiana, M. anisopliae, and C. lunata from South Sumatra to protect young maize plant against S. frugiperda by seed treatment.

Endophytic Fusarium clavum confers growth and salt tolerance in Cucumis melo

In the present study, we investigated the in-vitro and in-vivo effects of root endophytic fungal species isolated from squirting cucumber Ecballium elaterium on morphological, physiological and biochemical mechanisms of muskmelon (Cucumis melo) in response to salt stress. A total of 23 endophytic fungal isolates belonging to nine different genera were initially screened for their salt tolerance potential in saline medium. Endophytic Fusarium clavum EeR24 exhibited maximum salt tolerance in screening studies and was selected for further studies. Seedlings of C. melo were inoculated with F. clavum EeR24 and one week later were subjected to two salt (100 and 200 mM NaCl) and control (no salt) treatments in a growth chamber and greenhouse experiments. In growth chamber assays, seedlings treated with F. clavum EeR24 exhibited significant increase in growth and biomass under both controlled and saline conditions. Under greenhouse conditions, F. clavum EeR24 significantly improved morphological and physiological traits including plant height, weight, number of leaves, membrane stability, electrical conductivity, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration, in C. melo in response to salt stress. Endophyte colonization also led to decreased absorption of Na+ (36–42 %) and Cl- (23–33 %) ions and an improved K+ (35 %) absorption. Under saline conditions, endophyte colonization improved catalase (24–37 %), guaiacol peroxidase (31–42 %) and superoxide dismutase (16–22 %), chlorophyll and phenolic content by 30–64 %, compared to non-colonized plants. Lipid peroxidation activities significantly decreased by 45 % and proline accumulation increased by 18 % in endophyte-colonized compared to non-colonized plants. Histochemical analysis indicated that under saline conditions, endophytic colonization reduced levels of H2O2, superoxide ion production and cell mortality and increased lignin deposition. The endophytic isolate F. clavum EeR24 also exhibited plant growth promoting activities by producing hydrolytic enzymes, IAA, and phosphate solubilization. Furthermore, a study on spatial colonization of the endophyte, using either conventional Petri-plate counts or RFP-tagging, indicated that F. clavum was able to penetrate the root tissues of C. melo. Conclusively, the endophyte F. clavum EeR24 is an effective salt stress reducer and melon growth promotor; hence can be further taken into account for development as an eco-friendly bio-fertilizer to confer salt stress tolerance in melon.

Diversity of endophytic fungi isolated from different plant parts of Acacia mangium, and antagonistic activity against Ceratocystis fimbriata, a causal agent of Ceratocystis wilt disease of A. mangium in Malaysia

Acacia mangium is an important wood for commercial products especially pulp and medium-density fibreboard. However, it is susceptible to Ceratocystis fimbriata infection, leading to Ceratocystis wilt. Therefore, the present work aimed to (i) establish the diversity of endophytic fungi in different plant parts of A. mangium,and (ii) evaluate the antifungal potentials of the isolated and identified endophytic fungi against C. fimbriata. Endophytic fungal identification was conducted by PCR amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and ITS4 regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA. A total of 66 endophytic fungi were successfully isolated from different parts of A. mangium; leaf (21), stem (13), petiole (12), root (9), flower (6), and fruit (5). The endophytic fungal isolates belonged to Ascomycota (95.5%) and Zygomycota (4.5%). For Ascomycota 13 genera were identified: Trichoderma (28.6%), Nigrospora (28.6%), Pestalotiopsis (12.7%), Lasiodiplodia (9.5%), Aspergillus (6.3%), Sordariomycetes (3%), and Neopestalotiopsis, Pseudopestalotiopsis, Eutiarosporella, Curvularia, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Hypoxylon each with a single isolate. For Zygomycota, only Blakeslea sp. (5%) was isolated. Against C. fimbriata, Trichoderma koningiopsis (AC 1S) from stem, Nigrospora oryzae (AC 7L) from leaf, Nigrospora sphaerica (AC 3F) from the flower, Lasiodiplodia sp. (AC 2 U) from fruit, Nigrospora sphaerica (AC 4P) from petiole, and Trichoderma sp. (AC 9R) from root exhibited strong inhibition for C. fimbriata between 58.33 to 69.23%. Thus, it can be concluded that certain endophytic fungi of A. mangium have the potential to be harnessed as anti-Ceratocystis agent in future biotechnological applications.