Isolation and Identification of endophytic fungi and evaluation of their interactions with plants from Syzygium cumini (Jamun) and Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi)

Abstract

Endophytic microorganisms are able to promote plant growth through various mechanisms such as production of plant hormones and anti-microbial substances, as well as to provide soil with nutrients, for instance, inorganic phosphate. Endophytes within a plant can be located at the entry point or they can be found spread throughout the plant. These microorganisms may reside: within cells, in intercellular spaces or in the vascular system. The aim of this study is to evaluate endophytic fungi isolated from leaves and stems of Jamun and Tulsi plants to produce substances involved in the promotion of plant growth and identified by some biochemical tests. Total 5 endophytic fungi were isolated, out of which three were positive for catalase, amylase, and cellulase production test. There are negative results of protease for all fungal isolates. This study play a significant role to stablish endophyte-host plant interactions.