Identification and Characterization of Fungal Root Endophytes Isolated from Rhizospheric Soil of Bhuj Region of Gujarat for Abiotic Stress on Groundnut

Abstract

We have isolated and identified two halophilic fungi, Aspergillus versicolor KR87 and Aspergillus flavus KDP3, from the saline soils of Little Rann of Kutch. Interaction studies have revealed that A. versicolor KR87 promotes the growth of Arachis hypogaea (groundnut) in saline soil (50 mM NaCl), realised by myriad mechanisms such as increase in protein, proline and carbohydrate contents and superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymatic activities in the plant resulting in an increase in root and shoot height and number of leaves. The fungus showed high phosphate solubilisation activity and secreted substantial amounts of the phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid, further explaining its growth promotional mechanism. newlineFurther chemoprofiling of the halophilic isolates was performed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and biochemical assays. Both the fungi possessed chemically diverse metabolites, in particular polyketides, alkaloids, amines and terpenes. Alkaloids, phenols and flavonoids, as determined by quantitative assays, were present in high amounts in both the halophiles. Bioassays conducted on bacterial pathogens and MCF-7 cancer cell line revealed that both the halophiles had potential antimicrobial and anticancer activity, indicating the presence of complex metabolites, probably resulting from their complex cell machinery adapted to survive extreme salinities. newline