Isolation Of Fungal Endophytes Research Articles

Diversity and abundance of culturable fungal endophytes in leaves of susceptible and resistant alternate hosts of Cronartium pini and C. ribicola

Cronartium pini and C. ribicola are rust fungi that cause destructive diseases of pines (Pinus spp.). These rusts spread via alternate hosts, among which Melampyrum spp., Veronica spp. and Impatiens spp. are important for C. pini and Ribes spp. for C. ribicola. Congeneric alternate hosts vary in their susceptibility to Cronartium rusts, but the reasons for this variation are not clear. To clarify whether internal, endophytic fungi could explain these differences, we investigated the temporal and spatial variation in fungal endophyte composition of C. pini-resistant M. pratense, V. chamaedrys and I. glandulifera, C. pini-susceptible M. sylvaticum, V. longifolia and I. balsamina, C. ribicola-resistant R. rubrum and C. ribicola-susceptible R. nigrum. In total, 2695 fungal endophytic isolates were obtained and classified into 37 morphotypes, with 1373 cultures isolated in early summer and 1322 in late summer. Fifty-two isolates were identified to species or genus level. The most common morphotypes were identified as Heterophoma sp. Some variation in the abundance of morphotypes occurred between collection sites, but the same morphotypes dominated across the sites and species. The diversity of morphotypes was higher in early September than in late June in all species and the same morphotypes dominated in both early and late season. The diversity of fungal endophytes was higher in resistant Veronica and Ribes than in susceptible congeneric species, but the results suggest that the diversity or abundance of culturable fungal endophytes does not explain the differences in the congeneric species’ susceptibility to rust fungi.

Endophytic Fungi Residing within Cornus florida L. in Mid-Tennessee: Phylogenetic Diversity, Enzymatic Properties, and Potential Role in Plant Health.

Endophytic fungi that reside internally in healthy, asymptomatic plants often benefit their hosts by promoting plant growth and/or providing plant protection against abiotic and biotic stresses. However, only a small fraction of the estimated 1.5 million fungal endophytes have been identified. In this study, a total of 369 isolates of fungal endophytes in 59 distinct taxa were isolated from stem samples of Cornus florida (flowering dogwood). All isolates belonged to species of phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota distributed across five orders and 11 genera. Isolates belonging to the same family clustered together in a phylogenetic tree generated from a cluster analysis using MEGA 7 software. Diversity indices of the fungi revealed a rich and diverse community that included several species associated with leaf spots, blight, cankers, and/or dieback diseases. Pathogenicity tests confirmed 16 fungal endophytes as C. florida pathogens, including some well-known destructive pathogens Botryosphaera dothidea, Colletotrichum acutatum, and C. gleosporoides. Isolates of the fungal endophytes possess the capacity to produce extracellular hydrolytic enzymes (cellulase, amylase, pectinase, laccase, chitinase, and protease) that are known to function in tissue penetration, plant colonization, nutrient acquisition, and disease suppression in both plant pathogens and endophytes These results support the interchangeable pathogenic-endophytic roles for some taxa.

Endophytic fungi of Panax sokpayensis produce bioactive ginsenoside Compound K in flask fermentation

Endophytes of Panax have the potential to produce their host plant secondary metabolites, ginsenosides. Panax sokpayensis, an endemic traditional medicinal plant of the Sikkim Himalayas was explored for the isolation of endophytic fungi. In the present study, we have isolated 35 endophytic fungal cultures from the rhizome of P. sokpayensis and screened for ginsenosides production by HPLC by comparing the peak retention time with that of standard ginsenosides. The HPLC analysis revealed that out of 35 isolates, the mycelial extracts of four fungal endophytes (PSRF52, PSRF53, PSRF49 and PSRF58) exhibited peaks with a similar retention time of the standard ginsenoside, Compound K (CK). LC–ESI–MS/MS analysis led to the confirmation of ginsenoside CK production by the four fungal endophytes which showed a compound with m/z 639.6278, similar to that of standard ginsenoside CK with yield in potato dextrose broth flask fermentation ranging from 0.0019 to 0.0386 mg/g of mycelial mass in dry weight basis. The four prospective fungal endophyte isolates were identified as Thermothielavioides terrestris PSRF52, Aspergillus sp. PSRF49, Rutstroemiaceae sp. strain PSRF53, and Phaeosphaeriaceae sp. strain PSRF58 based on ITS sequencing. The present finding highlights the need for further study on growth optimization and other culture parameters to exploit the endophytes as an alternative source for ginsenoside CK production.

Foliar phenols and flavonoids level in pteridophytes: an insight to culturable fungal endophyte colonisation.

There are many available reports of secondary metabolites as bioactive molecules from culturable endophytes, nevertheless, there are scarce research pertaining to the levels of metabolites in plants with respect to the incidence and colonisation of fungal endophytes in the same foliar tissues. Therefore, the study was focussed to examine whether fungal endophyte colonisation and the accumulation of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids and phenols, in the plants are related in any way. For this reason, the study aims to analyse phenols and flavonoids from the fronds of eleven pteridophytes along with the culture-dependent isolation of fungal endophytes from the host plants subsequently assigning them to morphological category and their quantitative analysis and further resolving its identities through molecular affiliation. The results revealed that nine morpho-categories of fungal endophytes were allotted based on culture attributes, hyphal patterns and reproductive structural characters. Highest numbers of species were isolated from Adiantum capillus-veneris and least was recorded from Pteris vittata and Dicranopteris linearis. Maximum phenol content was analysed from the fronds of P. vittata and lowest was recorded in A. capillus-veneris. Highest flavonoid content was measured in D. linearis and lowest was detected in Christella dentata. Significant negative correlation was observed between phenol content of ferns and species richness of fungi. Moreover, significant positive correlation was observed with the relative abundance of Chaetomium globosum and flavonoid content of ferns and negative significant relation was found between relative abundance of Pseudopestalotiopsis chinensis and phenol content of pteridophytes. The occurrence and the quantitative aspects of endophytes in ferns and their secondary metabolites are discussed.

Isolation and Identification of Fungal Endophytes Associated with Leaves of Rhizophora mucronata Lamk.

Isolation and Identification of Fungal Endophytes Associated with Leaves of Rhizophora mucronata Lamk.

Fungal Endophytes: Discovering What Lies within Some of Canada's Oldest and Most Resilient Grapevines.

Plant diseases and pests reduce crop yields, accounting for global crop losses of 30% to 50%. In conventional agricultural production systems, these losses are typically controlled by applying chemical pesticides. However, public pressure is mounting to curtail agrochemical use. In this context, employing beneficial endophytic microorganisms is an increasingly attractive alternative to the use of conventional chemical pesticides in agriculture. A multitude of fungal endophytes are naturally present in plants, producing enzymes, small peptides, and secondary metabolites due to their bioactivity, which can protect hosts from pathogens, pests, and abiotic stresses. The use of beneficial endophytic microorganisms in agriculture is an increasingly attractive alternative to conventional pesticides. The aim of this study was to characterize fungal endophytes isolated from apparently healthy, feral wine grapes in eastern Canada that have grown without agrochemical inputs for decades. Host plants ranged from unknown seedlings to long-lost cultivars not widely propagated since the 1800s. HPLC-MS was used to identify unique endophyte-derived chemical compounds in the host plants, while dual-culture competition assays showed a range in endophytes' ability to suppress the mycelial growth of Botrytis, which is typically controlled in viticulture with pesticides. Twelve of the most promising fungal endophytes isolated were identified using multilocus sequencing and morphology, while DNA barcoding was employed to identify some of their host vines. These fungal endophyte isolates, which consisted of both known and putative novel strains, belonged to seven genera in six families and five orders of Ascomycota. Exploring the fungal endophytes in these specimens may yield clues to the vines' survival and lead to the discovery of novel biocontrol agents.

Physico-Chemical Alternatives for Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Using Fusarium Chlamydosporum

Abstract Introduction/Objective Background: Synthesizing metal nanoparticles (NPs) by chemical or physical methods is difficult due to energy and time consumption, equipment costs, and chemical toxicity. Chemosynthesis-derived NPs are unstable, limiting their biological applications. Thus, identifying alternative green sources to address these drawbacks is difficult scientifically. The hardest part of green metal nanoparticle synthesis is finding a nontoxic natural product and an eco-friendly solvent. Objectives: Isolation of fungal endophytes from Eucalyptus sideroxylon leaves to synthesize ZnO and Au nanoparticles. Methods/Case Report Materials and methods: We used healthy Eucalyptus sideroxylon plant samples from the desert research center to separate endophytes. All fungi were grown on malt extract broth on a rotary shaker at 28 °C (120 rpm) for 96 hours after isolation. Biomass components were removed by filtration and washing in distilled water. Nanoparticles came from biomass cell filtrate. 0.1 M, 1 mL of Zn SO4, and HAuCl4 were added to 10 mL of fungal filtrate and agitated for 24 hours in the dark at room temperature to make Zn and Au nanoparticles separately. Characterization of nanoparticles shows a green synthesis of ZnONPs and AuNPs. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Results: Fungal endophytes' filtrates were mixed with 1mM Zn SO4 and HAuCl4 solutions to test their extracellular biosynthesis of ZnO and Au NPs. The fungal filtrate became colorless and violet after mixing with Zn SO4 and HAuCl4. Only FI-03 is from 13 (FI-01 to FI-013). The most potent fungal strain for Zn O NP and Au NP nanoparticle synthesis was Fusarium Chlamydosporum. Pure, mostly spherical ZnO and Au NPs averaged 19.3 and 22.1 nm. UV-Vis absorption: Excitonic absorption peaks of ZnO NPs were between 300 and 400 nm. ZnO NPs' maximum absorption peak was 305 nm, while Au NPs' peak was 520 nm. One absorption peak indicates metallic gold nanoparticles. Au and ZnO NPs aggregate the most due to their hydrophilicity, HD of 34.88 and 15.77 nm, and PdI of 0.77, 1.00, and 0.952. Gold face-centered cubic fcc structure dominates Au NPs' XRD pattern. EDX shows 64.61 and 35.39 percent Zn and O, respectively, in both nanoparticles. The optical absorption band of gold nanocrystallites peaked at 2.2 keV in energy-dispersive X-rays. Conclusion Endophytic fungus biosynthesizes ZnO and Au NPs, which are bioactive compounds for medicine and food without toxic chemicals and are environmentally friendly.

Isolation and Identification of Bacterial and Fungal Edophytes from Leaves and Stems of H. rosa-sinensis and Production of Secondary Metabolites from Isolated Endophytes

Endophytes were first reported by the Freeman (1904) from dunel grass. 3,00,000 plant species known which exist on earth, all are host to one or more endophytes [1]. Endophytes are found in roots, leaves, stems, fruits, tubers, ovules etc. (Hallmann et al., 1997; Sturzet al., 1997: Hurek et al., 2002, Benhizia et al., 2004; Iniguez et al., 2004). Many different types of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and steroids are produced by endophytic fungi and these metabolites of endophytic fungi have antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, and antioxidant potential. The root of the Hibiscus rosa is used for cough treatment. The leaves of the H. rosa are used as a laxative and flowers has anti – diarrhea properties and are considered as demulcent, emollient, refrigerant, aphrodisiac and emmenagogue. The high level of antioxidants in H. rosa sinensis can slow down the aging process by eliminating the free radicals and neutralizing their harmful effects on the cells of human body. Hibiscus flowers are used as a remedy for relieving respiratory problem and to improve the health of respiratory system.
 This work reveals that the endophytic bacteria and fungi were isolated from healthy leaves and stem of medicinal plant, H. rosa-sinensis which were first sterilized in 70% ethanol. The bacterial endophytes were isolated on Nutrient Agar Medium and fungal endophytes were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar Medium. Colonies showing similar morphology on one plate were considered as single colony and so the frequency of each colony is calculated and isolated in pure form. By pure culture isolation technique, 4 different isolates of bacterial endophytes and 2 different isolates of fungal endophytes from stem of H. rosa-sinensis and 3 different isolates of fungal endophytes from leaves of H. rosa-sinensis were obtained. Bacterial endophytes were identified on the basis of Gram Stain and biochemical characterization whereas the identification of fungal endophytes was carried out at Plant Pathology Department of Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun. The secondary metabolites were isolated from isolated bacterial and fungal endophytes by using two different solvents (Ethyl acetate, chloroform) in the ratio 1:1 left for 15 minutes, the organic phase were collected and kept for drying at 37C. The antimicrobial activities were done against human pathogen (Stayphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia) by using Disc diffusion method of isolated secondary metabolites.

GC-MS profile of extracts of an endophytic fungus Alternaria and evaluation of its anticancer and antibacterial potentialities

Abstract Using microbial endophytes to produce bioactive compounds is a reliable scientific method. This investigation aimed to use the Acacia plant for isolating an endophytic fungal strain that has a bio-ability to produce a bio-crude extract. This study also encompassed the assessment of the extract’s biological efficacy as an antibacterial and anticancer agent. Samples of the Acacia plant were collected from “Shuaib Huraymila,” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The isolation and identification of fungal endophytes was done, and then, the production of crude extract was performed using the isolated endophytes. The profile gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy of the extract was determined, followed by the assessment of its biological activity against drug-resistant infections and cancer cells through in vitro examination. The findings showed that the fungal endophyte was Alternaria (Alternaria sorghi), according to internal transcribed spacer sequencing and basic local alignment search tool analysis. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the extract were 9.1 and 4.5 mg/mL for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and drug-resistant Candida auris, respectively, and the IC50% values were 46.6 and 23.7 mg/mL for MCF-7 and A549, respectively. The findings showed that this strain had no antagonistic action against Culex pipiens. This study concluded that the fungal endophyte isolated from the Acacia plant has the bio-ability to produce antimicrobial and anticancer agents.

Isolation and Characterization of Fungal Endophytes from Petiveria alliacea and Their Antimicrobial Activities in South Florida

Microorganisms associated with medicinal plants are of great interest as they are the producers of important bioactive compounds effective against common and drug-resistant pathogens. The characterization and biodiversity of fungal endophytes of the Petiveria alliacea plant and their antimicrobial production potential are of great interest as they are known for their antimicrobial and anticancer properties. In this study, we investigated the endophytic fungal microbiome associated with P. alliacea, and the endophytic fungal isolates were classified into 30 morphotypes based on their cultural and morphological characteristics. Ethyl acetate extract of fungal endophytes was obtained by liquid–liquid partitioning of culture broth followed by evaporation. The crude extract dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide was screened for antimicrobial activity against three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli ATTC 25902, Staphylococcus aureus ATTC 14775, Bacillus subtilis NRRL 5109) and two fungal strains (Candida albicans ATTC 10231 and Aspergillus fumigatus NRRL 5109). Among the crude extracts from endophytes isolated from leaves, 65% of them showed antimicrobial activity against the bacteria tested. Similarly, 71 and 88% of the fungal crude extracts from endophytes isolated from root and stem, respectively, showed inhibitory activities against at least one of the bacterial strains tested. Crude extracts (at a concentration of 10 mg/mL) from ten of the fungal isolates have shown a zone of inhibition of more than 12 mm against both Gram-positive and negative bacteria tested. Sequenced data from isolates showing strong inhibitory activity revealed that Fusarium solani, F. proliferatum, and Fusarium oxysporium are the major endophytes responsible for bioactive potential. These results indicate that Petiveria alliacea harbors fungal endophytes capable of producing antimicrobial metabolites. Future studies need to focus on testing against drug-resistant bacteria (ESKAPE group) and other pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Antibacterial Activities of Fungal Endophytes from Philippine Endemic Plant Dillenia philippinensis

Fungal endophytes represent a group of microorganisms that establish symbiotic associations with plants and hold significant ecological importance. Their ability to produce a diverse array of biologically active secondary metabolites has garnered considerable interest in the search for novel drug leads. In this study a total of 33 fungal endophytes were isolated from leaf specimens of the Philippine endemic tree Dillenia philippinensis (Rolfe). The morphological characterization of the fungal isolates revealed their taxonomic affiliation with the following eight genera: Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Geotrichum sp., Guignardia sp., Nigrospora sp., Paecilomyces sp., Pestalotiopsis sp., and Phialophora sp. A representative set of 22 fungal endophyte isolates was selected from the pool of isolates and subjected to large-scale cultivation, followed by extraction of their bioactive metabolites through liquid-submerged fermentation. The resulting crude extracts were evaluated for their inhibitory potential against two Gram-positive bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); and two Gram-negative bacteria, namely Escherichia coli and Multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MRPA), using the disc diffusion assay. The results indicate that the crude extracts obtained from endophytic fungi colonizing D. philippinensis represent a promising source of bioactive metabolites that exhibit noteworthy inhibitory activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and MRSA, with an effective concentration of 10 mg/mL. This study demonstrates that the fungal endophytes associated with Dillenia philippinensis foliage represent a rich source of bioactive metabolites with significant inhibitory activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These lead to exploring the potential of these fungal endophytes as a viable source of novel therapeutics.

Ceropegia rupicola, Acokanthera schimperi, Jatropha variegate Antimicrobial, Cytotoxicity and Phytochemical

In Asian countries, a variety of medicinal plants are utilized in folk medicine for hemostatic and antiseptic. The methanolic extracts of Jatropha variegata, Acokanthera schimperi, and Ceropegia rupicolawere tested for the following purposes: first, isolation of endophytic fungi, second, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity activity, and third, phytoconstituents of the methanolic extract using the GC-Mass technique. The plants came from a variety of Yemeni locations. Endophytic fungus strains were isolated and identified using starch casein and potato dextrose agar medium. Methanol was used to extract the stem and leaves of the plants. The agar well diffusion method was used to test the antibacterial properties of the produced methanolic extracts against four Gram-negative bacteria, three Gram-positive bacteria, and one species of yeast. The IC50 values for the most promising extracts are calculated. The methanolic extracts were also subjected to a phytochemical screening by GC-Mass. A total of forty fungal endophyte isolates were isolated. Fusarium spp. (15), Phomaspp. (6), Alternaria alternata (5), White Sterile mycelia (6), Dark Sterile mycelia (6), Cochlioboluslunatus (1), and Mucor spp. (1). were found throughout the identification process. The highest yield extract was obtained from Jatropha variegate (45.4%), followed by Acokanthera schimperi (32.3%), and finally Ceropegia rupicola (20.5%). Only Gram-negative bacteria were found to have antibacterial activity, and the most effective extract was Acokanthera schimperi against the majority of microorganisms tested (8–18mm). The methanolic extracts of Jatropha variegate had the best antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883015, with a zone of inhibition (45 mm). Furthermore, Ceropegia rupicola extract had the highest inhibitory zone against Candida albicans ATCC 700012 (20mm). In addition, the IC50 results showed that the Jatropha variegate extract on A549 had an IC50 of 84.1ug/ml and a PC3 of 39.4ug/ml. The IC50 for Ceropegia rupicola extract was 49.4ug/ml in A549 cells and 34ug/ml in PC3 cells. Also, the screening for phytochemicals of the three plant extracts revealed the presence of many chemicals such as ethanol, formic acid, and others that may be responsible for the observed actions.

Isolation of fungal endophytes at diferent pH from two wild plants of Mirzapur district (U.P.) India

The impact of pH on the microbial colonisation of endophytes on two plants (Buchanania and Celastrus sp.) was studied. The leaf and stem of two plant species were subjected to two PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) medium at pH levels (4.5 and 9) for 5 weeks for isolation of fungal endophytes in aseptic condition. Over the testing period, pH 4.5 produced the highest fungal colony. At different pH values, the fungal populations were noticeably different, with consistently higher counts at pH 4.5 and 9, respectively. At pH 4.5 isolated fungi were Aspergillus niger, Alternaria, Curvularia, Fusarium, Rhizopus, Mucor, and Penicillium, and at pH 9.0 the isolated fungi were Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Curvularia, Fusarium, and Rhizopus respectively. It demonstrates that varied pH levels led to changes in the fungal populations in plant species, leaves and stems (resistance/ susceptibility to environmental influences).

Antimicrobial activities and phytochemical screening of endophytic fungi isolated from Cymbidium and Dendrobium orchids

• Cymbidium and Dendrobium orchids harbor diverse endophytic fungi. • These endophytic fungi have antimicrobial activities. • Fusarium was the dominant genus of endophytes from orchids. • Novel discovery of Buergenerula spartinae and Exserohilum rostratum from orchids. This study reports the isolation of fungal endophytes from common orchids in Malaysia ( Cymbidium and Dendrobium sp.), their antimicrobial activities and phytochemical constituents. Culturable fungal endophytes were sampled from surface-sterilized root tissues of Cymbidium and Dendrobium orchids, then identified via molecular approaches. To establish their antibacterial and antifungal activities, the identified fungal endophytes were tested by the agar well diffusion assay and dual culture technique, respectively. Results revealed a total of 59 fungal endophytes were isolated, and they were represented in eight different genera ( Fusarium, Nigrospora, Lasiodiplodia, Exserohilum, Curvularia, Buergenerula, Trichoderma and Daldinia ). Fusarium was the most dominant genus among the pool of isolates, with high isolation frequencies of 62.7% (37 isolates). Rare genera such as Buergenerula and Exserohilum were also discovered at lower frequencies (3.33%, 1 isolate each). Among the 59 isolates, 8 isolates (13.56%) demonstrated antibacterial activities (5.67 ± 0.58 to 25 ± 0.00 mm) against all 4 pathogens tested ( Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) . All endophytic isolates were, however, capable of inhibiting the growth of at least one pathogenic fungus ( Ganoderma boninense, Pythium ultimum, Fusarium solani, Candida albicans ) (1.16 to 91.86% inhibition). Prominent antimicrobial activities were displayed by Fusarium incarnatum (C4) and Trichoderma asperellum (D7). Phytochemical analysis of extracts from these endophytes revealed that antimicrobial activities may be attributed to constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. These results highlighted the potential of fungal endophytes from Orchidaceae as an alternative source for antimicrobial agents.

Study of Endophytic Fungi from Leaves and Stems of Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss.

Abstract: The present study focused on the isolation and identification of fungal endophytes from Talinum fruticosum. Endophytic fungi live inside the higher plants apparently without causing harm. Talinum fruticosum has medicinal value and is a good source of vitamins A and C, an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus. Leaves and stems of Talinum fruticosum were evaluated to isolate endophytic fungi from Talinum fruticosum collected from different regions of Mysuru, Karnataka, India. All isolates of fungal species were identified based on morphological characteristics, mycelium, asexual spores, and sexual spores observe under the compound microscope. 20 species were isolated from leaves, and 5 fungal species were isolated and identify fungal species from leaves are Rhizopus sp, Aspergillus sp, Penicillium sp, Rhizopus stolonifera, Aspergillus sp, Fusarium sp, and sterile hyphae. 3 fungal species were unidentified. And 20 species were isolated from the stems and 6 fungal species were isolated and identify the fungal species from stems were Fusarium sp, Curvalaria sp, Aspergillus sp, Rhizopus stolonifera, Colletotrichum sp, Trichoderma sp, Sterile hyphae. 5 fungal species were unidentified.

Screening and Characterization of L-Asparaginase producing endophytic fungi associated with certain medicinal plants of Lamiaceae

Endophytic fungi residing in the host plants are well known for the production of industrially significant enzymes. This study deals with the isolation of fungal endophytes and the screening of extracellular enzymes from nine different plants of the family Lamiaceae with potent medicinal properties. Overall, 40 endophytic fungi (LCJ401 - LCJ440) were isolated from selected medicinal plants. The isolated endophytic fungi were evaluated for their capability to synthesize industrially important enzymes like amylase, protease, cellulase, laccase and L-Asparaginase in specific solid media. The results indicated that 45%, 37.5%, 35%, 32.5% and 52.5% of isolates could produce amylase, protease, cellulase, laccase and L-Asparaginase enzymes respectively. Based on the primary screening, the L-Asparaginase enzyme was more dominant and therefore the promising L-Asparaginase producing isolates were estimated by the nesselarization method. Of these, LCJ413, LCJ428, LCJ432 and LCJ438 were known to produce a high amount of L-Asparaginase. These isolates were subject to molecular analysis by 18S rRNA sequencing and MEGA software was used to construct a phylogenetic tree. The endophytic fungi identified were LCJ413 (Curvularia sp.), LCJ428 (Arxotrichum sp.), LCJ432 and LCJ438 (Fusarium sp.). Findings here revealed that fungal endophytes of Lamiaceae taxa have high L-Asparaginase-producing potency and can be exploited as a substitute reservoir for anticancer enzyme production.

Isolation and Characterisation of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterial and Fungal Endophytes from Himalayan Yew (Taxus wallichiana) - An Economically Imperative Plant of Himalayas

It is a known fact that the bacterial and fungal endophytes inhabit the plant tissues besides aiding in the better growth and health of the plants. The bark and leaves of Taxus wallichiana have drawn a lot of interest in recent years since they are the richest source of taxol, an anticancer drug. As it is a slow-growing tree that can only be regenerated via vegetative propagation, it has been classified as a critical rare species due to its extensive collection for medicinal and other purposes. Nonetheless, the use of endophytes as plant growth promoters is gaining much importance among environmentalists and agronomists because of their imperative role in crop production. Even then, there is hardly any information available regarding the growth-promoting endophytes isolated from bark and leaves associated with T. wallichiana commonly known as Himalayan Yew. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to isolate fungal and bacterial endophytes from T. wallichiana and to classify the growth-promoting properties of these endophytes. In total, seven fungal and ten bacterial endophytes were obtained from different parts of T. wallichiana. All of the isolated fungal and bacterial endophytes produced indole acetic acid while most of them also produced ammonia. Besides, the fungal and bacterial endophytes were also screened for antimicrobial and various enzymatic activities. Based on the above results, the two fungal endophytes were selected for their possible ability to promote seed growth. The results showed that the fungal endophytes isolated from T. wallichiana played an active role in increasing growth in other plant species and therefore, can be used as potential plant growth promoters.

Anatomy, micromorphology, physicochemical analysis, and isolation of fungal endophytes from the leaves of Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae)

Anatomy, micromorphology, physicochemical analysis, and isolation of fungal endophytes from the leaves of Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae)

Isolation and Identification of Bacterial and Fungal Endophytes from Selected Plants of Western Himalayas in Prospect for Bioactivities of Economic Importance

Isolation and Identification of Bacterial and Fungal Endophytes from Selected Plants of Western Himalayas in Prospect for Bioactivities of Economic Importance

Isolation, Identification, and Biocontrol Potential of Root Fungal Endophytes Associated with Solanaceous Plants against Potato Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans).

Late blight of potato caused by Phytophthora infestans is one of the most damaging diseases affecting potato production worldwide. We screened 357 root fungal endophytes isolated from four solanaceous plant species obtained from Kenya regarding their in vitro antagonistic activity against the potato late blight pathogen and evaluated their performance in planta. Preliminary in vitro tests revealed that 46 of these isolates showed potential activity against the pathogen. Based on their ITS-sequences, 37 out of 46 endophytes were identified to species level, three isolates were connected to higher taxa (phylum or genus), while two remained unidentified. Confrontation assays, as well as assays for volatile or diffusible organic compounds, resulted in the selection of three endophytes (KB1S1-4, KA2S1-42, and KB2S2-15) with a pronounced inhibitory activity against P. infestans. All three isolates produce volatile organic compounds that inhibit mycelial growth of P. infestans by up to 48.9%. The addition of 5% extracts obtained from KB2S2-15 or KA2S1-42 to P. infestans sporangia entirely suppressed their germination. A slightly lower inhibition (69%) was achieved using extract from KB1S1-4. Moreover, late blight symptoms and the mycelial growth of P. infestans were completely suppressed when leaflets were pre-treated with a 5% extract from these endophytes. This might suggest the implementation of such biocontrol candidates or their fungicidal compounds in late blight control strategies.