Endophytic microorganisms reside within the plant tissues in a symbiotic association and generally refer to fungi and bacteria. Endophytes benefit the host plants in several ways. They are known to protect the plants from harsh environmental conditions, produce variety of compounds which boost the growth of the plants, render protection against herbivores and also serve as potent biocontrol agents. Screening of fungal species for implementation on such fields has been the area of interest. The current study aims to isolate fungal endophytes from P. napaulensis and screen for its antagonistic efficiency against common wide host range fungal pathogens via extracellular enzymatic activities and dual culture methods. Thirteen fungal endophytes were isolated which showed varying range of extracellular enzymes production and growth inhibition of the fungal pathogens. The study highlights potent fungal isolates, which can be implemented in bio-agriculture (Trichoderma atroviride, T. koningiopsis and Xylaria feejeensis) and also for mass and sustainable production of hydrolytic enzymes such as cellulase and amylase and which have now gained interest in industrial sectors (Chaetomium globosum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Fusarium graminearum).
Prunus napaulensis, Fungal Endophytes, Antagonists, Extracellular Enzymatic Activities
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