Multifarious functional traits of free-living rhizospheric fungi, with special reference to Aspergillus spp. isolated from North Indian soil, and their inoculation effect on plant growth

Abstract Purpose Rhizospheric soil fungi are critical for plant and health. However, their multiple functional traits impact on growth have not been systematically explored. Methods During this study, biochemical of 73 indigenous fungal isolates 15 unidentified related to promotion production extracellular enzymes were studied. Results Forty four (65.67%) the total produced indole acetic acid (IAA) followed by siderophore (52.23%), phosphate solubilization (37.31%), antibiotic (11.93%). 91.04% studied ammonia whereas 28.35% organic acid. Extracellular enzyme activities lipase, amylase, chitinase, cellulase detected among 95.52%, 61.11%, 35.82%, 41.79% isolates, respectively. Based these activities, categorized into different biotypes. Quantitative analysis IAA was carried out Aspergillus , Penicillium, Rhizopus isolates. exhibited varying solubilization. Most some other demonstrated activities. selected sp-07 Penicillium sp-03, sp-02 further evaluated in combinations inoculation effect yield wheat under field conditions. Conclusions The results indicated that could be developed bio-inoculants enhance growth. consortium three also found compatible beneficial