Vol. 7, Issue 6 (2018)

Author(s):
Rathi Devi P and Packialakshmi N

Abstract:
Endophytic fungi are promising tools for plant growth promotion. The present study is aimed to identify the potential phosphate solubilizing endophytic fungi from the roots of Cardiospermum halicacabum. Initially 25 fungal isolates were isolated from the roots of C. halicacabum and screened for phosphate solubilization using Pikovskaya's medium. Two of the fungal species PSF11 and PSF 9 were efficient phosphate solubilizers producing significant halo zones ranging from 2.4cm-3.1cm. Further studied for organic acid production in NBRIY medium with bromocresol purple as indicator. Fungal isolates were identified as Aspergillus species by shape, size colony morphology, and spore structures and based on molecular characterization, the sample has been identified as Aspergillus oryzae with Genbank accession number MG770589. FTIR analysis of Cardiospermum halicacabum ethanolic leaf extracts showed the presence of functional group for flavonoids and phenols that prevents phytopathogens, may be inherited from the endophytic fungal metabolites.