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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

Researchers in Sri Lanka discovered six species of fungi living inside freshwater aquatic plants, including two entirely new species. These fungi were identified using advanced genetic testing and were found to produce useful enzymes like amylase, cellulase, and laccase. This research reveals that Sri Lankan freshwater ecosystems harbor diverse fungal communities with potential biotechnological applications.

Background

Endophytic fungi are widespread in diverse ecosystems but have received little attention in aquatic plants. Sri Lanka is a tropical biodiversity hotspot with diverse aquatic ecosystems and over 370 species of aquatic and wetland plants. Previous research on endophytic fungi in freshwater plants from Sri Lanka has been limited.

Objective

This study aimed to document and characterize endophytic fungi associated with freshwater aquatic plants from lentic habitats in the Mihintale area of Sri Lanka. The research also assessed the extracellular enzymatic potential of the identified fungi.

Results

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

Conclusion

The study demonstrates substantial aquatic fungal diversity in Sri Lankan freshwater ecosystems. The identified endophytes and their extracellular enzymatic potentials provide valuable insights for future biotechnological applications and expand knowledge of fungal endophyte diversity in understudied aquatic habitats.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39844839, DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1475114
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