An assessment of ITS rDNA PCR-based molecular identification, and characterization of fungal endophytes isolated from Hypericum japonicum

Abstract

Traditionally used herbs have been recognized as an important niche for fungal endophytes and the interaction between them has prompted the invention of novel metabolite. In this regard, the present investigation has been conducted to isolate the fungal endophytes from a traditionally used medicinal plant Hypericum japonicum and discuss their antioxidant potential together with the plant growth-promoting activity. The use of ITS-rDNA based strategies to outline the link of fungal endophytes of different genera could extend the difficulties that have grown from conventional taxonomical classification strategies. The present study has successfully differentiated two fungal endophytes such as Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium equiseti at the species level from Hypericum japonicum. The antioxidant potential of the fungal isolates from this study offers insights into the developments of bio-active metabolites which are essential to enhance the plant growth. Such inoculants can be used to develop a sustainable system.

Keywords:

• Antioxidant
• bioactivity
• Aspergillus flavus
• Fusarium equiseti
• endophyte
• ITS-rDNA

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Principal, St. Joseph’s College, Irinjalakuda for the laboratory facilities provided.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.