Isolation and Characterization of Dominant Fungi from Rhizospheric Soil of Saussurea obvallata (DC.) Edgew. (Brahma Kamal) of the Indian Himalayan Region

Abstract

The Himalayan region is conferred by diverse wealth in term of flora and fauna. Among Himalayan plant biodiversity, Saussurea obvallata (common name Brahma Kamal) has an immense spiritual and medicinal significance. Owing to high demand, this herb is on the verge of extinction. Numerous studies have been carried out for preservation and in vitro regeneration of Saussurea obvallata. In view of above, this is the first study which aims to isolate and identify rhizospheric fungi associated with this plant. Soil samples were collected from three locations in Kedarnath valley and total 34 fungal isolates were isolated. Out of 34, three fungal isolates i.e. MaHaD1, MaHaD2 and MaHaD3 were selected for morphological and molecular characterization. The 16S rDNA sequencing identified MaHaD1, MaHaD2 and MaHaD3 as Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Aspergillus fumigatus respectively. The presence of these three dominant fungi in rhizospheric region seems to be results of climatic conditions and plant physiology. Results indicate that the presence of fungal microflora may play a vital role in survival and proliferation of Saussurea obvallata plant by providing tolerance and resistance to abiotic stress and fungal/nematode pathogens respectively.