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Endophytes are a group of microorganism that grow within the tissues of higher plants and colonize them without causing any noticeable injury to the host. Both bacteria and fungi are considered as endophytes. As endophytes represent a potential hub of novel bioactive compounds such as antibiotics, anticancer and other biological control agents, scientific investigations to explore the diversity of endophytic microbes seemed to be significant. Meyna spinosa Roxb. belongs to the family Rubiaceae (local name: Kutkura) is a medium sized tree with potent medicinal properties. Altogether seven endophytic fungal genera were isolated from the roots, stems and leaves of the target species and thus, maximum fungal species were isolated from various parts of this target plant. More fungus was reported in the stems as compared to the leaves and roots. Fungal identification was based on the colony morphology and examination of spores/conidia or fruiting bodies using stereo and light compound microscopes. Absidia sp., Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp., Cunninghamella sp., Fusarium sp., Nigrospora sp., Paecilomyles sp., Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp., etc. represents among the identified endophytic genera in the present investigation. A large number of sterile mycelia were also observed in association with the target species. Studies on enumeration of endophytic fungal diversity of Meyna spinosa and assessing their bioactive potential are important to explore this beneficial microbiota to promote human welfare. |
