Abstract

Ranadive Ananth G., *Bijaya Kumar Nayak, Surendra S., Gayathri Parivallal and Anima Nanda

ABSTRACT

Variety of phylloplane and endophytic fungi are used to consider as one of the rich source of novel compounds of biological activities and have a high level of structural diversity on the leaf surfaces. Bioactive compounds produced by these phylloplane and endophytes have shown promising potential towards human health, for which, it is necessary to apprehend and operate this vital microbial resource and make it more helpful for the welfare of mankind. In our present study, isolation and enumeration of ectophytic (phylloplane) and endophytic fungal species was carried out from one medicinal plant, Carica papaya L. with the host relationship based on the methodology i.e., agar plate method. Altogether, 18 phylloplane and endophytic fungal species of 9 genera were isolated from the medicinal plant, Carica papaya L. In distribution of leaf surface fungi, phylloplane contributed the maximum (62%) followed by the endophytes (38%) in Carica papaya plant. In the phylloplane and endophytic fungal population, Alternaria raphani, Aspergillus awamori, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Curvularia lunata, Curvularia ovoidea, Curvularia robusta, Penicillium citrinum, Moniliella ruber, Penicillium chrysogenum, Gray sterile mycelia, Pink sterile mycelia and White sterile mycelia were the most dominant fungal species in the agar plate method. Fungi isolated from both the top and sub-surface of leaf were more or less similar to each other. Antimicrobial potential of the leaf surface fungal extracts was very effective against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shewanella putrefaciens and Candida albicans. The host relative favorite and tissue description sign was established between the phylloplane and endophytes based on the fungal community distribution and composition.