Seasonal dynamics of endophytic fungal diversity Grevillea robusta (Silver oak) trees

Abstract

This study delves into the impact of seasonal variations on the diversity of endophytic fungi inhabiting the foliage of Grevillea robusta trees along highways in Hawassa City, Ethiopia. With 765 fungal isolates categorized into 73 distinct morphotaxa, 90.41% were identified across eight known genera, leaving 9.58% unidentified. Notably, Phoma and Pestalotiopsis emerged as the most diverse genera, presenting 13 and 11 morphotaxa respectively, while Alternaria and Xylaria showed lower diversity with 3 and 2 morphotaxa each. The research unveiled heightened fungal counts and diversity in trees situated in more polluted environments, leaves sampled during dry seasons, those exhibiting signs of disease, lower leaf sections, and midrib samples. These findings underscore the rich assortment of endophytic fungi associated with Grevillea robusta leaves within roadside plantations in Hawassa City, emphasizing the need for further exploration of this fungal community's dynamics. Understanding the pivotal role of these endophytic fungi in tree health, ecosystem resilience, and potential applications in agriculture, forestry, and biotechnology remains imperative.