Physiological and Molecular Characterization of Biosurfactant Producing Endophytic FungiXylaria regalisfrom the Cones ofThuja plicataas a Potent Plant Growth Promoter with Its Potential Application

Abstract

Currently, there is an absolute concern for all nations in agricultural productivity to meet growing demands of human population. In recent time, biosurfactants produced by diverse group of microorganisms are used to achieve such demands as it is known for its ecofriendly use in elimination of plant pathogens and for increasing the bioavailability of nutrients for plants. Endophytic fungi are the important source of secondary metabolites and novel bioactive compounds for different biological applications. In the present study, endophytic fungiXylaria regalis (X. regalis)recovered from the cones ofThuja plicatawas evaluated for its biosurfactant producing ability and plant growth-promoting abilities through various screening methods and also via its antagonistic activity against phytopathogens likeFusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger. In addition,X. regaliswas also testedin vivofor a various range of growth parameters in chilli under greenhouse conditions. Significant increase in shoot and root length, dry matter production of shoot and root, chlorophyll, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents of chilli seedlings was found, which reveals its ability to improve the growth of crop plants. Hence, this study suggests the possibility of biosurfactant producing endophytic fungiX. regalisas a source of novel green biosurfactant for sustainable agriculture to achieve growing demands.