Diversity of fungal endophyte of Ananus comosus L. var. kew from Unokoti district, Tripura with bioactive potential of Neopestalotiopsis piceana

Abstract

Endophytes are microorganisms that live within the plant tissues of roots, stems, and or leaves, without causing any overt symptoms of disease (Petrini, 1991). Diversity of endophytic fungi depends on various factors which influence their compositions within the host plants. The fungal communities may differ between and within organs and tissues of an individual tree (Kumar and Hyde,), in 2004 the different seasons of the year (Osono, 2), or in same host 008 plants from different regions (Fisher et al., 1994). Leaves and roots are considered as most dynamic interfaces between plants and their environment. Fungi inhabiting the biologically active tissues may share characteristics, allowing them to grow and survive in a constantly-changing biochemical environment and changing gene expression of host tissues with their growth and age (Arnold, 2007). Endophytic fungi were reported to be associated with tropical epiphytic plants belong to the family Bromeliaceae (Dreyfuss and Petrini, 1984). Plants as an important source of biologically active compounds are utilized in natural products research. Many plant species which are used in traditional healing practices also studied for their pharmacological properties. Some fungi isolated from their host medicinal plants reported to be involved in the co-production of active metabolites (Alvin et al., 2014). Endophytic fungi isolated from plants used for traditional medicine produce new bioactive compounds and thus medicinal properties of a plant may be due to the metabolites produced by their endophytic microorganisms (Kusari et al., 2013).