Multifarious functional traits of free-living rhizospheric fungi, with special reference to Aspergillus spp. isolated from North Indian soil, and their inoculation effect on plant growth

Abstract

Purpose Rhizospheric soil fungi are critical for plant and soil health. However, their multiple functional traits and impact on plant growth have not been systematically explored. Methods During this study, biochemical traits of 73 indigenous soil fungal isolates and 15 unidentified isolates related to plant growth promotion and production of extracellular enzymes were studied. Results Forty four (65.67%) of the total isolates produced indole acetic acid (IAA) followed by siderophore (52.23%), phosphate solubilization (37.31%), and antibiotic (11.93%). 91.04% of the studied isolates produced ammonia whereas 28.35% produced organic acid. Extracellular enzyme activities of lipase, amylase, chitinase, and cellulase were detected among 95.52%, 61.11%, 35.82%, and 41.79% isolates, respectively. Based on these activities, 73 fungal isolates were categorized into different biotypes. Quantitative analysis of IAA production and phosphate solubilization was carried out for Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Rhizopus isolates. Aspergillus isolates exhibited varying activities of IAA production and phosphate solubilization. Most of the Aspergillus isolates and some other fungi demonstrated multiple activities. Based on the multiple traits of selected fungal isolates, Aspergillus sp-07, Penicillium sp-03, and Rhizopus sp-02 were further evaluated in different combinations for their inoculation effect on the growth and yield of wheat under field conditions. Conclusions The results indicated that these isolates could be developed into bio-inoculants to enhance plant growth. The consortium of these three isolates was also found to be compatible and beneficial for plant growth.

Antagonistic Effect of Plant Growth-Promoting Fungi Against Fusarium Wilt Disease in Tomato: In vitro and In vivo Study

“…For this reason, in this study, two fungal strains A. fumigatus and R. oryzae as PGPF which could be used to generate plant defiance against Fusarium wilt. In accordance with our results, previous studies reported that Aspergillus species can be used for growth promotion and control of fungal plant diseases [50][51][52][53][54]. Hung and Lee Rutgers [50] illustrated that Aspergillus spp.…”

Isolation of phosphate solubilizing fungus from rice fields of Odisha for agro‐ecological sustainable agriculture

“…The morphological and biochemical characterization of isolates, on the other hand, provided comprehensive information about the isolates (Domsch et al., 1980). All of the isolates tested positive for starch and cellulose hydrolysis tests, according to the biochemical analysis (Sharma & Shukla, 2008; Imran et al., 2021). Only PRF3 had a cellulose test result that was negative (Exhibit 7).…”

economIsolation, in vitro evaluation and construction of Versatile Microbial Consortia

“…In addition, Sarkar and Chourasia (14) screened isolated bacteria to produce extracellular enzymes necessary for the effective degradation of organic solid waste. In order to screen fungal isolates for their multiple functional traits and impact on plant growth, Imran et al (11) evaluated 73 isolates for extracellular enzyme production. They found that 95.52%, 61.11%, 35.82% and 41.79% of isolates were positive for lipase, amylase, chitinase and cellulase, respectively.…”

“…They play an important role in nutrient cycling by enhancing the decomposition of residual organic matter in the soil, thereby providing nutrients to plants. However, their direct role in promoting plant growth is less explored (11,5). Cellulase and xylanase play an important role in degrading biomass rich in cellulose and hemicelluloses (36).…”

“…The decomposition of high molecular weight organic matter in the soil is mediated by microbial extracellular enzymes. These enzymes are mainly hydrolases that help to acquire carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen (6,11). The essential role of beneficial microorganisms is the decomposition of organic waste into nutritive elements, detoxification, suppression of plant diseases, improving nutrient cycling, nitrogen (N) fixation and production of many bioactive compounds, including vitamins and hormones (12).…”