Characterization of fungal root endophytes for saline stress Bhuj Gujarat

Abstract

Fungal endophytes are diverse group of microorganisms which thrives in the tissues of healthy plant without causing any harm to its host. To study the bio-diversity among fungal community present in Rann of Kutch, Gujarat (West) India, efforts were made to isolate the fungal root endophytes from Pennisetum glaucum from Kutch and vegetables grown in Pithoragarh region. A total of 65 fungal endophytes were isolated from both the regions and identified on morphological basis. Ascomycetes mainly Fusarium and Aspergillus sp. had maximum colonization frequency (72%) from both the regions. Fungal endophytes are also known for its potential to produce the pharmacologically bioactive metabolites which have industrial and biotechnological applications like antitumour agents (Taxol), plant growth and enzymes. Fungal enzymes are more stable than other source and mainly used in beverages, food textiles and leather industries for its ability to simplify the raw material. The aim of the study was to construe the plant growth promoting traits, extracellular enzymatic activity, carbohydrate solubilization by selected fungal endophytes. The effect of endophytes were also checked on the growth and different physiological, biochemical and antioxidants tests of Pennisetum glaucum. Results showed that out of 65 only two plant growth promoting fungal endophytes i.e., E. rubrum and A. terreus were found and its molecular identification were also done. newline