ENDOPHYTIC BIODIVERSITY IN OCIMUM SANCTUM

Abstract

Endophytic fungi are known to possess novel compounds with bioactivity and have a large biodiversity. They are found in almost all plant species. In the present study, an attempt has been made to isolate and screen Ocimum sanctum Linn. leaves collected from Ratapani Reserve, Bhopal and adjoining areas for endophytic fungi aseptically in PDA media. Results showed the biodiversity of endophytic fungi living in symbiotic relation with Ocimum sanctum. A total of 61 isolates were obtained which had hyphomycetes (78.68%) and ascomycetes (14.75%).