DIVERSITY OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI IN LIANAS-BUTEA SUPERBA FROM WEST MEDINIPUR DISTRICT AND ITS SEASONAL AND REGIONAL VARIATIONBiplab BagchiAbstract To determine diversity of endophytic fungi associated with lianas from three different forest localities of West Medinipur district. Samples were collected randomly in various seasons. Fungi were isolated and identified based on mycelial shape and structure; sexual and asexual reproductive characters; attachment of spores and cultural conditions. A total of 428 endophytic isolates were obtained from 675 different sample segments. Colonization frequency is 63.39%. In Chilkigark highest number of endophytes have been isolated. In monsoon highest percentage (95.98%) were isolated. Dominant endophytic fungi are Fusarium, Chaetomium, Lasiodiplodia, Verticillium. Maximum endophytic isolates were obtained from stem segments followed by leaves and petioles. Among all endophytic fungi class Deuteromycetes were dominant over other fungal classes. Shannon-Weiner and Simpson's indices showed rich diversity of endophytic fungi. This indices suggest even and uniform occurrence of various species. |