PLANT GROWTH PROMOTION AND IN-VITRO BIO-ACTIVITIESEVALUATION OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGAL COMMUNITIESASSOCIATED WITH ORYZA SATIVA L.Anchal Tripathy, Debasis Dash and Chandi Charan RathAbstract Utilization of plant-associated beneficial microorganisms, particularly endophytes, is growing, as theyoccupy a relatively privileged niche within various plant tissues, where they face less competition for foodand shelter than in the rhizo-sphere. The plant and these beneficent endophytes form a harmoniousinteraction that has profound effects on the host plantâs physiological and developmental process in itsnative habitat. The purpose of this study aims to emphasize the endophytic fungi found on flourishing riceseedlings as well as to investigate the preordained factors affecting the growth of the plant. 56 endophyticfungi were isolated from various rice plant tissues and their percent of dominance was determined. Thefungal strains were assessed for in-vitro mechanisms that boost plant growth-promoting activities studies.Outof 14 isolates, 92.85% were able to produce Gibberellic acid, 7.14% ammonia production, 71.42% for phosphatesolubilization activity, 92.85% for zinc solubilization activity, 21.42% for potassium solubilization activity,7.14% for HCN production and 64.28% for siderophore development, indicated the potency to promotecrop growth enhancement. Therefore, endophytic fungi isolated from rice plants have the potential to be afortuitous bio-stimulant; further research into this area is required to aid in bridging the void in agriculturaland biotechnological prospects. |