Comparative analysis of diversity and distribution of Fungal endophytes in different parts of Aegle marmelos L.
Shalini Jadon, Deeksha Pathak, Ambrish Kumar, Devesh Kumar and Saroj Singh Chahar*
Department of Botany Raja Balwant Singh College Agra, U.P. India Affiliated with Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra, U.P. India *drsaroj.singh@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
An endophyte is a microorganism that resides internally in a plant without causing harm to the host plant. In most cases, endophytes are transmitted through seeds, promoting seed germination as well as the growth of newly developing host plants. Endophytes increase the nutrient input and stress tolerance capacity of growing young plants. Endophytes, which include bacteria and fungi, grow inside plants either within cells or between cells. Endophytic fungi can have symbiotic, mutualistic, or antagonistic interactions with their host plants. Endophytic fungi produces bioactive compounds with anti-tumor, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. These substances may also be toxic to the host plant due to the presence of some enzymes and taxollike substances. However, they become an excellent source of drugs and show potential applications in the food, cosmetic, and medicine industries. Aegle marmelos is commonly used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicines to treat health issues such as diarrhoea and dysentery. More than 20 endophytic fungi have been recorded from Aegle marmelos.