Endophytes

This study was aimed at exploring and observing the antimicrobial activities of secondary metabolite compounds (bioactive) of endophytic fungi from Allium sativum as common medicinal plants in Tanzania against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli together with the fungus Candida albicans. Healthy, undamaged leaves and stems of the Allium sativum plants were collected from the botanic garden and processed separately. Ethyl acetate extracts of garlic leaves and garlic stems of endophytic fungi were extracted from potato dextrose broth and tested against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus species by using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The diameter of the zone of inhibition was measured in millimeters (mm). The study reveals that the crude extract of endophytic fungal isolate from both leaves and stems of Allium sativum shows moderate antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.

One of the most significant requirements of modern world agriculture is to achieve higher yields in an environment permissive manner. Among various plant growth promoting microorganisms, Trichoderma occupies a unique position. Genus Trichoderma represents a very large and diverse group of fungi which plays a crucial role in uplifting the plant productivity. This fungus has a distinct property to infect and colonize in the roots of various plants. Interaction of plant roots with Trichoderma induces various genetic and physical changes in the plants. Trichoderma employs various tactics like antibiosis, competition, iron chelation, Hyperparasitism/Mycoparasitismetc to inhibit the growth of pathogens residing in the neighborhood. Additionally they secrete various chemicals/ Proteins /hormones to uplift the growth of infected plants. Some of them resides as endophytes and promotes plant growth in many ways. Some Trichoderma spp. are known to induce systemic resistance against plant pathogens and tolerance against abiotic stress.