Enzymes and qualitative phytochemical screening of endophytic fungi isolated from Lantana camara Linn. Leaves

Plants harbor endophytes, capable of producing metabolites and enzymes with functions similar to host plant extracts. An inventory of Lantana camara’s endophytes could better explain the role played by extracts of this plant in its defense functions against pathogens. This study aimed at isolating and screening endophytic fungi from L. camara leaves for amylases, lipases and laccases production and for the production of some secondary metabolites using standard procedures. In-vitro culture techniques with Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) as culture medium were used to isolate endophytes from L. camara leaf tissues. Isolates identification were done using macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Three endopyhtic fungi were isolated and labeled LI, LII, and LIII; LI and LII had a slimy texture and produced no reproductive structures (spores, conidia, septate hyphae etc) hence identified as mycelia sterilia. LIII was white, with an uneven surface growth, cottony dry aerial mycelium, visible hyphae with little branching and individual hyphae were septate, hence a Geotrichium sp. All isolates produced amylases and lipases while LIII solely produced laccase. The extract of LIII showed the presence of tannins and cardiac glycosides and absence of phenols and saponnins. The anti pathogenic roles of L. camara extract are thanks to the presence of endophytes in its tissues which produce enzymes that mediate plant defense functions as well as secondary metabolites with anti- pathogenic properties.