Optimization of Culture Conditions for Growth and Production of Bioactive Metabolites by Endophytic Fungus – Aspergillus tamarii

Author(s): Priyom Bose, S. Uma Gowrie and G. Chathurdevi

Abstract: Aim: The aim of this study is to optimise the culture conditions of the fungal endophyte Aspergillus tamarii to enhance the growth and production of bioactive compounds (production of phenol, flavonoid and IAA) and its antifungal activity. Method: The potent fungus is subjected to stepwise optimisation in various physico-chemical parameters like culture medium, carbon and nitrogen sources, NaCl, pH and temperature. After each optimising step dry weight of mycelial biomass was recorded, and fungal culture filtrate was extracted using ethyl acetate solvent. Concentration of phenol, flavonoid and IAA were estimated. Further, zone of inhibition against Fusarium oxysporum was studied to select the optimised parameter for enhancing the production of bioactive compounds. Result: The optimised culture media was determined as Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) using dextrose as its carbon source, yeast extract as its nitrogen source along with 5g/l NaCl concentration at 30˚C in pH 5, as the various optimised condition for the maximum growth and production of bioactive compounds of Aspergillus tamarii. Conclusion: Aspergillus tamarii, isolated from the root of Casuarina junghuhniana Miq., a potent fungi is a rich source of polyphenolic compounds. Casuarina junghuhniana is a multipurpose forest tree species belonging to family Casuarinaceae. This tree species can grow in extreme climatic and edaphic conditions. Endophytes growing within host plants in adverse condition are far more potential than the endophytes isolated from host plant residing in healthy conditions. These secondary metabolites are effectively utilised in agriculture, medicinal and pharmaceutical industry.

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