Diversity and Antimicrobial Activity of Potential Endophytic Fungi Isolated from the Medicinal Plant Gmelina arborea

Gmelina arborea, a medicinal plant belonging to the Verbenaceae family, is extensively utilized in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system. Endophytic fungi, which engage in mutualistic symbiosis with host plants, are recognized as significant microbial resources due to their ability to produce a diverse array of bioactive compounds. In this study, 131 potential endophytic fungal isolates were obtained from the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of G. arborea. Phylogenetic analysis classified these fungi into 3 phyla, 6 classes, 13 orders, 23 families, and 27 genera. Diversity analysis indicated significant variations in isolation frequency among different tissues, with the highest frequency observed in roots, followed by flowers, leaves, and stems. The dominant genera identified were Diaporthe (17.6%), Fusarium (12.2%), and Mucor (12.2%). Antimicrobial screening against seven pathogenic microorganisms demonstrated that 23 potential endophytic strains (17.6%) exhibited significant inhibitory activity. These findings establish a foundation for further investigation into the antagonistic capabilities of potential endophytic fungi from G. arborea against pathogens and provide valuable insights into their diversity.