Diversity and extracellular enzyme activities of fungal endophytes isolated from medicinal plants of Western Ghats, Karnataka

A study of fungal endophytes from six wild medicinal plants in the Western Ghats, including two endangered species (Hedychium flavescens and Hedychium coronarium), reveals significant extracellular enzyme activity among 112 isolates. Notably, 40% exhibited asparaginase activity, while 29%, 28%, and 18% showed amylase, cellulase, and pectinase activity, respectively—with no laccase activity detected. This is the first report of such enzymatic diversity in endangered plants from this region. The research used Simpson's and Shannon–Weiner indices to analyze fungal diversity across 26 genera, highlighting potential biotechnological applications while underscoring the ecological importance of endophytic fungi in threatened species.

Uzma, F., Konappa, N. M., & Chowdappa, S. (2016). Diversity and extracellular enzyme activities of fungal endophytes isolated from medicinal plants of Western Ghats, Karnataka. Egyptian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 3(4), 335–342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbas.2016.08.007