PJB-2025-262
Biodiversity of Fungal Endophytes from Peganum harmala and Thymus vulgari
Prof. Dr. SHer Wali Khan
Abstract
Gilgit-Baltistan is rich in biodiversity of medicinal plants, yet there remains a significant gap in research regarding the biodiversity of endophytic fungi associated with these plants. This study investigated the biodiversity of endophytic fungi in Peganum harmala and Thymus vulgaris. The analysis demonstrated a diverse group of fungi isolated from stem, leaf and root samples of both medicinal plants. However, stem samples of Peganum harmala exhibited a high colonization frequency (61.11%), with notable species including Rhizopus spp., Aspergillus nidulans and Alternaria spp. Leaves showed a slightly lower diversity, yet maintained a significant colonization frequency (50%), roots displayed comparable diversity to stems with a colonization frequency of 64.28%. In Thymus spp., stem samples displayed a colonization frequency of 65.63%, with prominent species such as Alternaria alternata and Fusarium spp. Comparatively, the frequency of endophytic fungi colonization was 66.61% in leaf and 72% in roots with colonization of Colletotrichum spp. and Rhizopus spp. and Alternaria alternata and Trichoderma spp., respectively. Whereas an average colonization frequency of 58.46 and 68.06% of all plant parts in Peganum harmala and Thymus spp., respectively was evident which reflects prevalent endophytic fungal colonization. Furthermore, analysis of the species diversity index (SDI) revealed a relatively high level of species diversity within both medicinal plants, with notable contributions from Rhizopus spp., Penicillium spp., and Alternaria spp. However, some species, including Nigrospora spp. and Aspergillus nidulans showed lower contributions to overall diversity. The study underscores the importance of endophytic fungal dynamics in the medicinal plants of this region.
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