Integrative identification and phylogenetic analysis of endophytic fungi in mango (Mangifera indica L.) leaves

Abstract

Fungal endophytes are beneficial microorganisms that colonize the internal tissues of plants. Beyond their significance to plants, they are also of great importance to humans due to their ability to produce metabolites that substantially enhance medicinal properties. Although many studies have explored fungal endophytes in various plant species, the presence of these fungi in mango trees has not been investigated, nor has the use of molecular techniques been applied for accurate identification. The mango leaves used in this study were sourced from the University of Ilorin. These leaves were collected, sterilized, and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) for seven days. The fungal mycelia that grew from the leaves were then subcultured until a pure culture was obtained. Morphological identification was initially performed, followed by analysis of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of the DNA for precise identification of the fungal endophyte. The extracted DNA was amplified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), sequenced, and analyzed with BioEdit, AliView, and MEGA-X software. The fungal isolate was identified as Chaetomium sp., based on its close genetic similarity to Chaetomium sp. Sequences. This integrated approach significantly refines fungal identification, providing a reliable classification of endophytic fungi in mango leaves. The implications of this discovery are carefully examined and discussed.