STUDY OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGAL COMMUNITY OF MORINGA OLEIFERA FROM OMALUR REGION – SALEM

Endophytic fungi are ubiquitous in nature residing inside all the plant species contributing to their host plants by producing a plenty of substances that provide protection and survival value to the plant. Many researchers have proven that endophytes are a new and potential source of novel natural products for exploitation in modern medicine. This present study is undertaken to isolate and identify the potential endophytic fungi from Moringa olifera, a medicinal plants which is traditionally known and reported to posses various biological properties. A total of 72 fragments each 18 from the stem, leaves, flower and calyx were collected, surface sterilized and was inoculated on to Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) plates. Based on the macroscopic & microscopic features, the fungal isolates were identified.The most predominant endophytic fungal species isolated belonged to the genus Aspergillus spp. (53.3%) followed by Bipolaris spp. (6.6%). The Colonization Frequency (CF %) and Endophytic Infection Rate (EIR %) was found to be 83.31% and 20.83% respectively. The stem segments showed a maximum repository for endophytic fungi than the leaf and flower segments. The results of the study suggest that Endophytic fungi are a novel source of bioactive compounds. The rich biodiversity of these medicinal plants have to be preserved for the future years for the benefit of the mankind.