Investigation of some endophytic fungi from five medicinal plants with growth promoting ability on maize (Zea mays L.).

Aims: This study aimed to identify endophytic fungi from Anthemis altissima, Matricaria parthenium, Cichorium intybus, Achillea millefolium, and A. filipendulina with plant-promoting ability on the ZP684 maize hybrid-cultivar.

Methods And Results: Plants were collected from northeast-Iran and endophytic fungi were isolated and identified using partial large subunit nrDNA, internal transcribed spacer, translation elongation factor, and β-tubulin genetic markers. Endophytic fungi that improved seed germination were studied under greenhouse conditions. Ninety-seven endophytic fungi were identified. Preussia africana, Bjerkandera adusta, Schizophyllum commune, Alternaria embellisia, Trichaptum biforme, Septoria malagutii, A. consortiale, Verticillium dahliae, Fusarium avenacearum, and Trametes versicolor significantly improved seed-germination. Alternaria consortiale produced the highest level of indole-3-acetic acid-like compounds and maize growth-promoting.

Conclusions: Plant fungal colonization frequency increased with orthometric height. Sampling location Chahar Bagh at 2230 m contained the most endophytic fungi. Fusarium and Alternaria were the most frequently isolated endophytic genera. Therefore, medicinal plants are potential hosts for endophytic fungi that may be suitable biofertilizer agents in agriculture.

Significance And Impact Of The Study: This study helps to better understand the ecosystem functions by investigating of endophytic fungi distribution under different ecological conditions. Finding effective isolates among these microorganisms with a suitable plant-promoting ability on crops may help to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers in an agroecosystem.