ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI FROM CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS

Author (s) : Ms.R.Selavabharathi

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Abstract :
Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as Madagascar periwinkle, is a valuable medicinal plant recognized for its production of various bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic potential. The presence of endophytic fungi within the tissues of this plant species has been suggested to play a crucial role in the synthesis of these bioactive compounds. In this study, we aimed to isolate and identify endophytic fungi from the tissues of Catharanthus roseus to explore their potential role in contributing to the plant's secondary metabolite production. To achieve this, healthy and disease-free Catharanthus roseus plants were collected from diverse geographical regions. The plants were subjected to surface sterilization to eliminate epiphytic contamination, followed by the isolation of endophytic fungi from different plant parts, including leaves, stems, and roots. Fungal isolates were cultured on appropriate media, and pure cultures were obtained through successive sub-culturing. Morphological characterization and microscopy techniques were employed to identify the endophytic fungi at the genus and, wherever possible, species level. Furthermore, molecular techniques, such as DNA sequencing of conserved genes, were used to complement morphological identification and resolve taxonomic uncertainties. The study led to the successful isolation of a diverse array of endophytic fungi from Catharanthus roseus. Several prominent genera, including Fusarium, Colletotrichum, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Trichoderma, were among the identified isolates. Some of the isolates represented potentially novel species, highlighting the richness of endophytic fungal diversity associated with this medicinal plant. The findings from this study contribute to our understanding of the endophytic fungal community residing within Catharanthus roseus, and their potential implications for secondary metabolite production. In conclusion, this investigation provides valuable insights into the diversity of endophytic fungi present in Catharanthus roseus, laying the foundation for future research to explore the specific roles of these fungi in the biosynthesis of medicinal compounds. Understanding the interactions between the plant and its endophytic fungi may lead to the development of novel drug candidates and biotechnological tools to enhance the therapeutic properties of this remarkable medicinal plant.

Keywords : Endophytic Fungi, Catharanthus roseus

Conference Date : 17/09/2021

Pages : 117

Paper ID : IESMDT115