Diversity, biocontrol, and growth promotion potential of culturable endophytic fungi isolated from root, shoot, and leaf of wild <i>Phoebe bournei</i> Yang across seasons

Endophytic fungi were isolated from Phoebe bournei (Hemsl.) Yang, and their diversity antimicrobial plant-growth-promoting activities investigated. Of the 389 endophytic fungi, 88.90% belonged to phylum Ascomycota 11.10% Basidiomycota. The isolates grouped into four taxonomic classes, 11 orders, 30 genera, 45 species based on internal transcribed spacer sequencing morphologic analysis. host showed a strong affinity for genera Diaporthe Phyllosticta. of was highest in autumn, followed by spring summer, lowest winter. exhibited notable tissue specificity P. bournei, richness root across all seasons. Five activity against eight plant pathogens reduced incidence leaf spot disease bournei. Additionally, nine biocontrol activity, with five significantly promoting seedling growth. This is first report potential applicability control growth promotion.