Fungal endophytes associated with Embelia ribes and their antifungal and plant growth promoting activity against plant pathogens

The investigation aimed to isolate, identify, characterized and evaluate fungal endophytes from Embelia ribes. The main objective of the study was to identify and evaluate the fungal endophytes for PGP and antifungal activities against selected phytopathogens. A total of eight fungal endophytes were identified by amplifying the ITS region, with phylogenetic analysis confirming their placement within the Ascomycota. Phomopsis and Daldinia sp. dominant species in E. ribes. To evaluate their antifungal activities, three selected endophytes were tested against three fungal pathogens selected based on their relevance and prevalence as plant pathogens in the study area. SEM analysis of the interaction zones between the endophytes and pathogens provided insights into the inhibitory mechanism’s endophytes. Furthermore, the IAA and chitinase activities by endophytes known to exhibit inhibitory activities against pathogenic fungi. Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms underlying their inhibitory effects and to assess their performance under field conditions.