Isolation and identification of phylloplane and endophytic fungi from one ornamental plant, Mangifera indica

Biodiversity of phylloplane and endophytic fungi have been considered as one of the rich source of novel natural compounds of biological activities and a high level of structure diversity on the leaf surfaces. Bioactive components produced by phylloplane and endophytes have shown promising potentiality towards human health. In this juncture, it is necessary to understand and manipulate this important microbial resource and make it more beneficial for the mankind. In the present study isolation and enumeration of phylloplane and endophytic fungal diversity was carried out from one ornamental plant, Mangifera indica with the host relationship based on two methodologies, agar plate and moist chamber. Altogether, 17 fungal species were isolated from the mango plant. In agar plate method, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium digitatum, Moniliella sp., Candida sp., Trichoderma sp., Aspergillus niger were identified as phylloplane and Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium digitatum, Trichoderma sp. were identified as endophytes. In moist chamber method, Colletotrichum sp., Curvularia sp., Aspergillus niger, Stachybotrys sp., Trichoderma sp., were identified as phylloplane fungi, Aspergillus niger, Botrytis sp., Cladosporium resinae, Monascus, Grey sterile mycelia, Trichoderma sp., Sordaria fumicola species were identified as endophytes. 6 species belonged to 4 genera of phylloplane and endophytic fungi were isolated and identified in agar plate, but by moist chamber method, 10 species belonging to 7 genera of phylloplane and endophytic fungi were isolated and identified. White sterile mycelia form was isolated from both methods only as phylloplane fungus and it was not isolated as endophytes. The evidence for host relative preference and tissue specification was found between the phylloplane and endophytes based on fungal community distribution and composition and thus the fungi isolated are dependent on the methodologies.