Diversity of Bambusicolous Endophytic Fungi Associated with Dendrocalamus strictus in Doon Valley, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Bamboo belongs to Poaceae, the grass family. As a major Non-Timber Forest Product, it has been an important source of livelihood. Despite its significant use in socio-economic aspects, bamboo species also harbor important fungal endophytes. In the present study, 79 isolates of endophytic fungi were obtained from the roots, stems, and leaves of Dendrocalamus strictus collected from three different locations in Doon Valley, Uttarakhand, India. A total of 30 isolates were obtained from the roots, 24 from the stems, and 25 from the leaves. The fungal isolates belonged to the phylum Ascomycota and were categorized into 10 genera based on morphology and microscopic examination. Isolates that were unable to sporulate were classified as ‘mycelia sterilia.’ Sordariomycetes was the most dominant class, followed by Eurotiomycetes. Fusarium oxysporum and Nigrospora sphaerica were common at two of the sites, while F. oxysporum, Calonectria kyotensis, and Apiospora arundinis were common in both the roots and the stems. The diversity of the bambusicolous endophytic fungi of Doon Valley was analyzed for the first time. Site 3 had the highest diversity index, while the leaves had a higher diversity index compared to the roots and stems. The study initiated the development of a reservoir of endophytic fungal strains and cataloguing of the bambusicolous endophytic fungi in the Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand was initiated.