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Identification of Endophytic Fungi from Leaves of Pandanaceae Based on Their Morphotypes and DNA Sequence Data from Southern Thailand

Summary

This research discovered and identified fungi living inside the leaves of tropical pandanus plants in Thailand. Using both traditional methods and DNA analysis, the scientists found 16 different fungal species, including 8 that were completely new to science. This type of research is important for several reasons: Impacts on everyday life: – These fungi could be sources of new medicines or useful compounds – Understanding plant-fungal relationships helps improve agricultural practices – The discovery of new species helps us better understand biodiversity and evolution – This knowledge can help protect important plant species and ecosystems – The findings may lead to biotechnology applications in food, medicine or industry

Background

Endophytic fungi are beneficial to their host plants and can produce bioactive compounds with applied uses. Research on endophytic fungi has intensified over the past 20 years but there has been less research on endophytes associated with tropical plant leaves. The high species diversity of endophytic fungi makes their study important, with endophytes estimated to comprise 7-10% of the 2.2-3.8 million fungal taxa.

Objective

To establish the taxonomic status and identify endophytic fungi associated with leaves of Pandanaceae collected from southern Thailand using morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequence data.

Results

Twenty-two fungal isolates were recovered and categorized into eight morphotypes. Based on morphological and molecular analyses, 16 species were identified including one new genus (Endopandanicola), seven new species, and nine known species. Both ascomycete and basidiomycete species were found, with the majority being ascomycetes. Several isolates did not sporulate but were described as new species based on DNA sequence evidence.

Conclusion

The study revealed high diversity of endophytic fungi from Pandanaceae leaves in Thailand, with multiple new taxa discovered. The research demonstrated that combining morphological and molecular methods is essential for accurate identification of endophytic fungi. Many isolates remained sterile in culture, highlighting the importance of DNA-based methods for fungal taxonomy. The findings contribute to understanding endophyte diversity in tropical plants.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.33.23670
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