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Ectophoma salviniae sp. nov., Neottiosporina mihintaleensis sp. nov. and four other endophytes associated with aquatic plants from Sri Lanka and their extracellular enzymatic potential

Summary

Scientists in Sri Lanka discovered and identified six species of fungi living inside aquatic plants from freshwater lakes. Two of these were entirely new species never documented before. The researchers found that these fungi produce different enzymes that could break down starches, cellulose, and other complex molecules, which might have useful applications in biotechnology and other industries.

Background

Endophytic fungi are widespread in diverse ecosystems but remain understudied in aquatic plants. Sri Lanka is a tropical biodiversity hotspot with extensive freshwater ecosystems harboring diverse aquatic and wetland plant species. Previous research on endophytic fungi in freshwater plants has been limited in Sri Lanka.

Objective

To isolate and identify endophytic fungi from selected aquatic plants in Sri Lanka and evaluate their extracellular enzymatic potential. The study aimed to document fungal diversity from freshwater plant taxa including Eichhornia crassipes, Nymphaea nouchali, Salvinia minima, and S. molesta.

Results

Six fungal species were identified, including two novel species: Ectophoma salviniae sp. nov. and Neottiosporina mihintaleensis sp. nov. Chaetomella raphigera was reported as a new geographical record for Sri Lanka. Colletotrichum siamense and C. truncatum were identified as novel host records on aquatic plants. Ectophoma salviniae exhibited highest amylase production, Chaetomella raphigera showed highest cellulase production, and Neottiosporina mihintaleensis exhibited highest laccase production.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates significant aquatic fungal diversity in Sri Lankan freshwater ecosystems and highlights the enzymatic potential of endophytic fungi. These findings provide valuable insights into freshwater fungal endophytes and their potential biotechnological applications. The results support Sri Lanka’s significant potential for studying endophytic fungi diversity.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Descriptive Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39844839
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