Antiphytopathogenic applications of Endophytic Fungus, Talaromyces purpureogenus J8, isolated from Woodfordia fruticosa

Abstract

The apprehension surrounding the utilisation of pesticides and other chemical agents in agriculture has prompted a search for alternative, non-chemical methodologies for the management of diseases. Biological control agents are highly specialised and pose minimal risk to non-target species. The study involves the isolation of novel endophytic fungi Talaromyces purpureogenus J8 from Woodfordia fruticosa, a medicinal plant with multifarious applications. The culture was identified using ITS sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The sequence was subsequently deposited into the NCBI database, resulting in the generation of an accession number (OP355300). The culture and the metabolites were evaluated for the potential of biocontrol against different plant pathogens using direct confrontation on solid media and the culture exhibited significant inhibition against Exserohilum turcicum, 84.3% direct confrontation and 78.36% more than the positive control in the case of metabolite. Phytochemical assays such as auxin estimates, total phenolics and flavonoids were carried out. J8 displayed antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 65.36 μg/mL in the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Cultural conditions were optimised to enhance the production. GC-MS analysis was performed leading to the identification of many bioactive compounds responsible for antibiotic, antioxidant and anticancer properties.