Nature’s Pharmacy under Siege: Investigating Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Endophytic Bacteria of Medicinal Plants

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health threat, necessitating a thorough understanding of its prevalence in various ecological contexts. Medicinal plants, renowned for their therapeutic properties, host endophytic bacteria that produce bioactive compounds. Understanding antibiotic resistance dynamics in these bacteria is vital for human health and antibiotic efficacy preservation. In this study, we investigated antibiotic resistance profiles in endophytic bacteria from five medicinal plants: Thankuni, Neem, Aparajita, Joba, and Snake plant. We isolated and characterized 113 endophytic bacteria, with varying resistance patterns observed against multiple antibiotics. Notably, 53 strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR), with 14 exhibiting extensive drug resistance (XDR). Thankuni-associated bacteria displayed 44% MDR and 11% XDR, while Neem-associated bacteria showed higher resistance (60% MDR, 13% XDR). Aparajita-associated bacteria had lower resistance (22% MDR, 6% XDR), whereas Joba-associated bacteria exhibited substantial resistance (54% MDR, 14% XDR). Snake plant-associated bacteria showed 7% MDR and 4% XDR. Genus-specific distribution revealed Bacillus (47%), Staphylococcus (21%), and Klebsiella (11%) as major contributors to MDR. Our findings highlight diverse drug resistance patterns among plant-associated bacteria and underscore the complexity of antibiotic resistance dynamics in diverse plant environments. Identification of XDR strains emphasizes the severity of the antibiotic resistance problem, warranting further investigation into contributing factors.

Endophytic Occupation in Nodules of Rhynchosia Plants from Semiarid Regions of Argentina

Beneficial microbes can improve soil health by promoting soil structure,nutrient cycling,and disease suppression.In addition,a wide array of rhizospheric microbes are responsible for producing metabolically active compounds including various types of plant growth regulators.So,microbial biodiversity studies could contribute to the improvement of agricultural practices in deprived areas,such as the Pampean semiarid region.The vast majority of studies conducted on endophytic microorganisms have focused on intensive crop legume species.In contrast,little attention has been paid to microorganisms of native legumes,whose ecology is not directly affected by human action.In this study,endophytic microorganisms isolated from root nodules of a selected native legume of the genus Rhynchosia were characterized.Viable isolates were studied with a focus on their plant growth-pro-moting rhizobacteria(PGPR)properties.Considering the edaphic characteristics of the Pampean semiarid region,the isolates obtained were evaluated for their ability to grow under three salt stress conditions(50,100,and 200 mM NaCl)and four different pH values(6,7,8,and 9).Based on their PGPR activities,the selected strains were phylogenetically grouped using BOX-PCR.The results showed great variability among the isolates in terms of the characteristics studied.Native legumes manifested a wide endophytic variability and remarkable perfor-mance in PGPR activities.We conclude that they could be used as potential bioinoculants for legume cultivation,an excellent alternative to the use of chemical fertilizers that currently pollute the environment.

Root-associated endophytic fungi modulate endogenous auxin and cytokinin levels to improve plant biomass and root morphology of trifoliate orange

Root-associated endophytic fungi like Serendipita indica and arbuscular mycorrhizal(AM) fungi can improve plant growth and root construction, but the potential mechanism is unclear. In this study, Funneliformis mosseae(an AM fungus) and S. indica, singly or in combination were inoculated into trifoliate orange(Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings, to assess changes in biomass and root morphological traits, coupled with auxins and cytokinins concentrations in leaves and roots and the expression of auxin synthesis and transporter protein genes. After 20 weeks of inoculation with these fungi, shoot and root biomass, root total length, taproot length, average diameter, surface area, volume, and the number of lateral roots in 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-order were improved, and S. indica showed a relatively greater effect than F. mosseae and dual inoculation. Endophytic fungal inoculation also significantly increased the concentration of indoleacetic acid, indole butyric acid, trans-zeatin,dihydrozeatin, and isopentenyl adenine in leaves and roots, whilst F. mosseae and S. indica exhibited relatively greater effects on leaves and roots, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that both biomass and root morphological traits(except root projected area) were significantly positively associated with endogenous auxins and cytokinins. In addition, the inoculated plants recorded comparatively higher expression levels of indoleacetic acid synthesis genes(PtTAA1, PtTAR2, PtYUC3, PtYUC4, PtYUC6, and PtYUC8) and indoleacetic acid transporter protein genes(PtAUX1, PtLAX1, PtLAX2, PtLAX3, PtPIN1, PtPIN3, PtPIN4, PtABCB1, and PtABCB19) than the non-inoculated plants, among which F. mosseae and S. indica showed better effects in leaves and roots, respectively. These results suggest that root-associated endophytic fungi improved plant growth and root architecture, which were associated with changes in endogenous auxins and cytokinins.

The antifungal properties of terpenoids from the endophytic fungus Bipolaris eleusines

A series of terpenoids(1-17),comprising six new compounds designated bipolariterpenes A-F(1-6)and eleven rec-ognized compounds(7-17),were isolated from the wheat culture of the potato endophytic fungus Bipolaris eleusines.Their structures and stereochemistry were clarified by HRESIMS,NMR,DP4+probability analyses,and computations for electronic circular dichroism(ECD).All compounds are made up of six meroterpenoids,four sesterterpenes and seven sesquiterpenes.Among them,four sesterterpenes(4,5,10,11)were investigated for their antifungal,antibacterial and cytotoxic properties,and six meroterpenoids(1-3,7-9)were evaluated for their antifungal properties.The compounds 7,9,and 10 had substantial antifungal activity against Epidermophyton floccosum at a concentration of 100μM.No antibacterial and cytotoxic activities were observed.

Plant growth-promoting properties and anti-fungal activity of endophytic bacterial strains isolated from Thymus altaicus and Salvia deserta in arid lands

Endophytes,as crucial components of plant microbial communities,significantly contribute to enhancing the absorption of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus by their hosts,promote plant growth,and degrade pathogenic fungal mycelia.In this study,an experiment was conducted in August 2022 to explore the growth-promoting potential of endophytic bacterial strains isolated from two medical plant species,Thymus altaicus and Salvia deserta,using a series of screening media.Plant samples of Thymus altaicus and Salvia deserta were collected from Zhaosu County and Habahe County in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region,China,in July 2021.Additionally,the inhibitory effects of endophytic bacterial strains on the four pathogenic fungi(Fusarium oxysporum,Fulvia fulva,Alternaria solani,and Valsa mali)were determined through the plate confrontation method.A total of 80 endophytic bacterial strains were isolated from Thymus altaicus,while a total of 60 endophytic bacterial strains were isolated from Salvia deserta.The endophytic bacterial strains from both Thymus altaicus and Salvia deserta exhibited plant growth-promoting properties.Specifically,the strains of Bacillus sp.TR002,Bacillus sp.TR005,Microbacterium sp.TSB5,and Rhodococcus sp.TR013 demonstrated strong cellulase-producing activity,siderophore-producing activity,phosphate solubilization activity,and nitrogen-fixing activity,respectively.Out of 140 endophytic bacterial strains isolated from Thymus altaicus and Salvia deserta,104 strains displayed anti-fungal activity against Fulvia fulva,Alternaria solani,Fusarium oxysporum,and Valsa mali.Furthermore,the strains of Bacillus sp.TR005,Bacillus sp.TS003,and Bacillus sp.TSB7 exhibited robust inhibition rates against all the four pathogenic fungi.In conclusion,the endophytic bacterial strains from Thymus altaicus and Salvia deserta possess both plant growth-promoting and anti-fungal properties,making them promising candidates for future development as growth-promoting agents and biocontrol tools for plant diseases.

Endophytic Bacteria Promote the Growth of Suaeda glauca in Saline-Alkali Stress:Regulation of Osmotic Pressure and Antioxidative Defense System

Endophytic bacteria are promising bacterial fertilizers to improve plant growth under adverse environment.For ecological remediation of coastal wetlands,it was necessary to investigate the effect and interaction of endophytes on halophytes under saline-alkali stress.In this study,an endophytic bacterium strain HK1 isolated from halophytes was selected to infect Suaeda glauca under pH(7 and 8)and salinity gradient(150,300 and 450mmolL^(-1)).Strain HK1 was identified as Pantoea ananatis and it had ability to fix nitrogen,dissolve inorganic phosphorus and produce indole-3-aceticacid(IAA).The results showed that strain HK1 could promote the growth of S.glauca seedings when the salinity was less than 300mmolL^(-1),in view of longer shoot length and heavier fresh weight.The infected plants could produce more proline to decrease the permeability of cells,which content increased by 26.2%–61.1%compared to the non-infected group.Moreover,the oxidative stress of infected plants was relieved with the malondialdehyde(MDA)content decreased by 16.8%–32.9%,and the peroxidase(POD)activity and catalase(CAT)activity increased by 100%–500%and 6.2%–71.4%,respectively.Statistical analysis revealed that increasing proline content and enhancing CAT and POD activities were the main pathways to alleviate saline-alkali stress by strain HK1 infection,and the latter might be more important.This study illustrated that endophytic bacteria could promote the growth of halophytes by regulation of osmotic substances and strengthening antioxidant activities.This finding would be helpful for the bioremediation of coastal soil.

A systematic review of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy outcomes for advanced indications:Large tumors(cT2-T3),solitary kidney,completely endophytic,hilar,recurrent,and multiple renal tumors

Objective:Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy(RAPN)has become widely used for treatment of renal cell carcinoma and it is expanding in the field of complex renal masses.The aim of this systematic review was to analyze outcomes of RAPN for completely endophytic renal masses,large tumors(cT2-T3),renal cell carcinoma in solitary kidney,recurrent tumors,completely endophytic and hilar masses,and simultaneous and multiple tumors.Methods:A comprehensive search in the PubMed,Scopus,Web of Science,and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases was performed in December 2022 for English language papers.The primary endpoint was to evaluate the role of RAPN in the setting of each category of complex renal masses considered.The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the surgical and functional outcomes.Results:After screening 1250 records,43 full-text manuscripts were selected,comprising over 8500 patients.Twelve and thirteen studies reported data for endophytic and hilar renal masses,respectively.Five and three studies reported outcomes for cT2-T3 and solitary kidney patients,respectively.Four studies focused on redo-RAPN for recurrent tumors.Two studies investigated simultaneous bilateral renal masses and five reports focused on multiple tumor excision in ipsilateral kidney.Conclusion:Over the past decade,evidence supporting the use of RAPN for the most challenging nephron-sparing surgery indications has continuously grown.Although limitations remain including study design and lack of detailed long-term functional and oncological outcomes,the adoption of RAPN for the included advanced indications is associated with favorable surgical outcomes with good preservation of renal function without compromising the oncological result.Certainly,a higher likelihood of complication might be expected when facing extremely challenging cases.However,none of these indications should be considered per se an exclusion criterion for performing RAPN.Ultimately,a risk-adapted approach should be employed.

Isolation and Identification of Houttuynia cordata Endophytic Bacteria and Study of Antibiotic Activity

[Objectives]To further explore the resources of biocontrol strains and provide new options for the control of pathogenic bacteria.[Methods]Houttuynia cordata endophytic bacteria were isolated and identified,and the antibiotic activity was explored.[Results]There are 8 strains(H1-H8)of endophytic bacteria isolated from the healthy plants of H.cordata,which had an antagonistic effect on the pathogenic bacteria.According to the gene sequence,the 8 strains were identified as Stenotrophomonas,Pseudomonas,and Bacillus,which strongly inhibited Colletotrichum(HC1),Fusarium(HC2),and Rhizoctonia(HC5)of H.cordata.On the PDA culture dish,the inhibition diameter of the 8 strains on Colletotrichum,Fusarium,and Rhizoctonia was 6,8,and 5 mm,respectively.[Conclusions]Pathogenic bacteria and endophytic bacteria inoculated with H.cordata seedlings showed that endophytic bacteria have certain antagonistic activity,and have the potential for development and application.

Characterization of Endophytic Microorganisms of Rice(Oryza sativa L.)Potentials for Blast Disease Biocontrol and Plant Growth Promoting Agents

One hundred twenty-five endophytic microorganisms were isolated from the roots,stems,and leaves of four prominent rice cultivars growing in temperate regions.Their potential to combat rice blast disease and promote plant growth was investigated.The dual culture tests highlighted the strong antagonistic activity of five fungal(ranging from 89%–70%)and five bacterial(72%–61%)endophytes.Subsequent examination focused on volatile compounds produced by selected isolates to counter the blast pathogen.Among these,the highest chitinase(13.76μg mL−1)and siderophore(56.64%),was exhibited by Aspergillus flavus,and the highest HCN production was shown by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia(36.15μM mL−1).In terms of growth promotion traits,Aspergillus flavus and Enterobacter cloacae excelled in activities viz,phosphorous solubilization,ammonia production,auxin and gibberellic acid production,and nitrogen fixation.The Identity of these endophytes was confirmed through molecular analysis as Trichoderma afroharzianum,Trichoderma harzianum,Penicillium rubens,Aspergillus flavus,Stenotrophomonas rhizophila,Stenotrophomonas maltophilia,Bacillus cereus,Enterobacter cloacae,and Bacillus licheniformis.Under greenhouse conditions,the highest disease control was shown by isolate Bacillus licheniformis and A.flavus with an inhibition of 79%,followed by S.rhizophila(77%)and T.afroharzianum(73%).The overall results of this study showed that Bacillus licheniformis and Stenotrophomonas rhizophila have great potential to be used as bio-stimulant and biocontrol agents to manage rice blast disease.

Feasibility of enhanced phytoextraction of Zn contaminated soil with Zn mobilizing and plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria

Three bacterial endophytes of Sedum alfredii, VI8L2, II8L4 and VI8R2, were examined for promoting soil Zn bioavailability and Zn accumulation in S. alfredii. Results showed that three strains were re-introduced into S. alfredii rhizosphere soils under Zn stress and resulted in better plant growth, as roots biomass increased from 80% to 525% and shoot biomass from 11% to 47% compared with the uninoculated ones. Strains IVsLz, II8L4 and IVsR2 significantly increased shoot and root Zn concentrations in the ZnCO3 contaminated soil. Inoculation with strain IVsL2 resulted in 44% and 39% higher shoot and root Zn concentrations, while strain IV8R2 significantly decreased shoot Zn concentration in the Zn3（PO4）2 contaminated soils. In the aged contaminated soil, isolates IVsL2, IIsL4 and IVsR2 significantly increased root Zn concentration, but decreased shoot Zn concentration of Sedum alfredii. It suggested that endophytes might be used for enhancing phytoextraction efficiency.

Studies on the Isolation of Endophytic Bacteria from Tomato Plants and Their Growth-promoting Activities

[Objective] The study aimed to investigate the growth-promoting activities of endophytic bacteria from tomato plants.[Method]The endophytic bacteria isolated from different tissues of tomato plants were analyzed for the effects of their growth-promoting activities on the germination and growth of tomato plants.The bacteria with growth-promoting activity were preliminarily identified.[Result]Totally 59 endophytic bacterial strains were isolated from roots and stems of tomatoes,of which 4 showed significantly growth-promoting activity to germination and growth of tomato.The results suggest that these strains are endowed with the potential capability of growth-promoting.[Conclusion]The endophytic bacteria with growth-promoting activity were found among the isolates from tomato plants.This provided a good foundation for utilization of these bacteria with growth-promoting activity.

Screening for Siderophore-producing Endophytic Bacteria against Fusarium oxysporum

[Objective] With a strain of endophytic antagonistic bacteria with good disease control efficacy in pot as trial material,the paper was to explore the antagonistic mechanism of siderophore against Fusarium oxysporum.[Method] Whether the strain produced siderophore and its fluorescent property was judged by MSA（Modified Sugar-Aspartic acid） plate.The siderophore activity of strains in liquid MSA medium was determined through the absorbance values at particular wavelength.The inhibition effects of it siderophore against F.oxysporum under different concentrations of Fe3＋ were compared.Then the strain was preliminarily identified based on morphological,physiological and biochemical characteristics [Result] The fluorescent siderophore produced by the endophytic bacteria in MSA medium had a strong inhibition effect against F.oxysporum.With the increasing concentration of Fe3＋,the inhibition effect against the pathogen weakened.The preliminary analysis showed these strains belonged to Bacillus.[Conclusion] Bacillus could compete the absorption of Fe3＋ by secreting siderophore to inhibit the growth of F.oxysporum.

Isolation and Identification of a Taxol-producing Endophytic Fungus Identified from Taxus media

[Objective] The aim was to isolate and identify a taxol-producing endophytic fungus from Taxus media. [Method] 32 strains of endophytic fungi were identified form the inner bark of T. media,and their fermentation products were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). [Result] Through the screening,a strain of taxol-producing endophytic fungi M57 was obtained,which could produce 45-50 μg/L of taxol,and M57 was defined as Rhizopus sp. through morphological observation and 18S rDNA sequence analysis. [Conclusion] The finding of Rhizopus sp. M57 provided a promising strain for producing taxol with taxol-producing fungi fermentation process.

Diversity of Endophytic Fungi in Banana Cultivars of Assam India

Endophytic fungal isolates(139 no.)were obtained from 143(62 roots,18 fruits and 54 leaves)samples of 15 dif­ferent varieties of banana collected from 10 sites in Assam,India during 2018-2019.Overall isolation frequency from surface-sterilized tissue ranged from 10%-80%(as per site)and 6%-70%(as per variety of banana).All isolates were segregated into 40 different types on the basis of macromorphological and micro morphological characteristics.Forty different fungal taxa were isolated belonging to 14 genera including Absidia,Arthrinium,Aspergillus,Bipolaris,Cla­dosporium,Curvularia,Dendrophion,Fusarium,Humicola,Mortierella,Mucor,Penicillium,Paecilomyces,Verticilli­um and one mycelium sterile.Among them,Cladosporium cladosporioidies and Paecilomyces sp.frequently occurred in most of the sites surveyed whereas Cladospoirum cladosporioides and Aspergillus sp.8,Fusarium graminseram were most frequently isolated from different varieties.However,all sites differed in their fungal diversity.Banana samples from Narigoan and Jorhat have been found with maximum fungal species followed by marigoan samples so as to Banana varieties Amrit Sagar endowed 27 no.of fungi followed by Jehaji and Honda which were associated with a maximum 14 fungal sp.Isolation frequency and relative abundance of Cladosporium cladosporiodes(80%,4.6),Paecilomyces farinosus(80%,4.6)followed by Penicillium ruburm,Aspergillus sp.8&9(70%,4.02)were recorded as maximum comparatively in different sites.However,Aspergillus sp.8,Mortieralla sp.and Pacilomyces farinosus are isolated frequently from different banana varieties(73.33%,4.93).

Determination of Growth-promoting and Antagonistic Action of Endophytic Bacteria Strains Itb57 and Itb295 of Tobacco

[ Objective ] The paper was to study the growth-promoting and antagonistic action of endophytic bacteria strains Itb57 and Itb295 of tobacco to explore their functions in biological control. [ Method] The growth-promoting effects of bacterial suspension ~ff endophytic bacteria Itb57 and Itb295 on tobacco seedling un- der different treatment modes were studied using potting method in greenhouse. The antagonistic action of bacterial suspension of endophytic bacteria Itb57 and Itb295 on Phytophthora nicotianae, Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea were measured by duel culture method. [ Result] Bacterial suspensions of enduphytic bacteria Itb57 and Itb295 had certain growth-promoting effects on tobacco seedling, which could significantly increase the fresh weight and dry weight in aerial part; the growth-promoting effect of soaking ＋ spraying and irrigating treatment was the best. Itb57 strain had good antagonistic action against P. nicotianae. A. alterna- ta and B. cinerea, while Itb295 strain only had good antifungal effect against P. nicotianae. [ Conclusion] The results provided basis for the study and application of tobacco endophytic bacteria strains Itb57 and Itb295 in biocontrol of tobacco diseases.

Isolation and Screening of Black Spot-Resistant Endophytic Fungi Strains from Rosa chinensis

[Objective] This study aimed to isolate and screen black-spot-resistant en- dophytic fungi strains. [Method] Various species of healthy Rosa chinensis were col- lected from Xi＇an, Xianyang, Baoji and Weinan City in Shaanxi Province. Endophytic fungi was isolated from stems and leaves, and purified by 2-3 times of inoculation to screen endophytic fungi antagonistic to Marssonina rosae with modified punching method. [Result] Samples collected from Xianyang exhibited the highest colonization rate and isolation rate; endophytic fungi strains isolated from stems presented the highest colonization rate and isolation rate compared with leaves. A total of 67 en- dophytic fungi strains were isolated from Rosa chinensis, including 3 black spot-re- sistant strains which were all derived from Baoji. [Conclusion] This study laid the foundation for further screening candidate strains of biocontrol fungi and environ- ment-friendly fungal biological control.

Genetic Diversity of Antagonistic Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Sophora alopecuroide

[ Objective ] The paper was to study and analyze the genetic diversity of 48 endophytic bacteria isolated from Sophora alopecuroide with strong antagonis- tic effect against Fusarium oxysporum and Verticillium dahliae, and carry out sequence measurement and phylogenetic analysis on 10 representative strains. [ Meth- od] Using total DNA ERIC-PCR and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis method, a total of 48 endophytic bacteria were carried out genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis. [Result] ERIC-PCR fingerprint map showed that 48 endophytic bacteria were divided into 6 ERIC groups and 2 strains with independent groups at Wat- son distance of 0.31. Representative strains were selected from each group to determine 16S rRNA gene for phylogenetic analysis, and the results showed that these strains belonged to Bacillus atrophaeus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus pumilus and Serratia marcescens, respectively. [ Conclu- sion ] The genetic diversity of 48 strains of bacteria was obvious. Determination of 48 strains of bacteria on diversity and phylogenetic status could lay foundation for study on mechanism of F. oxysporum and V. dahliae, which could also provide new strain sources for biological control of diseases in cotton production.

Preliminary Studies on Antifungal Activity of Xanthium sibiricum and the Endophytic Fungi

[Objective] The study was aimed to provide theoretical foundation for developing a new fungicide with high activity,low toxicity and low residua.[Method] Based on the plant growth rate and inhibition zone methods,the antifungal activity of extracts of every organ of Xanthium sibiricum,the fermentation liquid of endophytic fungi MC4-23,and the extract of mycelium were tested with six kinds of pathogenic fungi and three kinds of pathogenic bacteria respectively.[Result] The extract of every organ of Xanthium sibiricum,the fermentation liquid of endophyic fungi MC4-23,and the extract of mycelium all had antifungal activities.The acetone extracts of Xanthium sibiricum had stronger antifungal activities than the ethanol extracts of Xanthium sibiricum.The extracts of leaf have the strongest antifungal activities against fungi and bacteria.The inhibition rates of the six pathogenic fungi were all above 47.8%,and the inhibition diameters of the three pathogenic bacteria were all above 0.5 centimeter.The fermentation liquid of endophytic fungi also had strong activities against the fungi and bacteria.The inhibition rates of the six pathogenic fungi were all above 68.1%.The extracts of root of Xanthium sibiricum and the mycelium of endophytic fungi were all had antifungal activities.[Conclusion] Xanthium sibiricum and endophyic fungi MC4-23 had great value of development and utilization.

Identification of Taxus cuspidata Sieb.et Zucc endophytic fungi─ new recorded-genus-species of China and the metabolite

A total of 94 isolates of endophytic fungi were isolated from the bark of 200-yr.-old Taxus cuspidata Sieb. et Zucc. in the primeval forest of the Changbai Mountain Natural Reserve, and 19 species of endophytic fungi were identified. Among the taxa 2 new species and 1 new varied species as well as the 6 known species of China had been described in a previous article published on Journal of Forestry Research, Vol. 14 (4): 290-294 (2003). This paper made a detail description on the morpho-logical characteristics of the 9 new recorded-genus-species and 1 new record species with illustrations, including Staphy-lotrichum coccosporum Meyer et Nicot, Botryodema lateritium Papendoorf & Upadhyay, Oedocephalum glomerulosum (Rul-liard) Sacc., Trichosporonoides oedocephalis Haskins & Spencer, Beniowskia sphaeroidea (Kal Chbrenner et Caeke) Mason, Thermomyces verrucosus Pugh, Blakeman & Morgan-jones, Gilmaniella humicola Brron , Arthrinium sphaerosperma (Per.:Fr.) Ellis, Ambrosiella brunnea (Verrall) Batra, and Cytosporina notha Diedz (1 new record species). And the habitats, hosts, distribu-tions and fruiting periods were recorded for the new recorded-genus-species. The determination result of thin layer chroma-tography (TLC) showed that the liquid fermentation metabolites of the strains could not react positively with taxoids developer - the vanillic aldehyde and dilute bismuth potassium iodide.

Isolation of the Endophytic Fungi of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis and Their Effects on the Embryo Development of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis Seeds

[Objective] This study aimed to isolate the endophytic fungi of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis and investigate their effects on the embryo development of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seeds. [Method] The endophytic fungi of P. polyphylla were isolated and identified morphologically, and their effects on the embryo development of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seeds were studied by using paraffin sectioning and microphotography. [Result] Nine endophytic fungi, i.e. P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis endophytic fungi PPYEF-1, PPYEF-2, PPYEF-3, PPYEF-4, PPYEF-5, PPYEF-6, PPYEF-7, PPYEF-8 and PPYEF-9 belonging to seven genera in five families, three orders were isolated from the rhizomes. Except PPYEF-4 (Cladosporium sp.), other fungi could promote the embryo development of the P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seeds, mostly reaching the extremely significant or significant level. PPYEF-9 (Trichoderma sp.) resulted in the highest embryo length and embryo-emerging ratio. [Conclusion] This paper could provide a reference for the application of the endophytic fungi of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis in the dormancy-breaking of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seeds.