Diversity and Extracellular Enzyme Production of Fungal Endophytes from the Genus Ocimum L.

Ocimum tenuiflorum, O. gratissimum, and basilicum are medicinal plants extensively used in the traditional medicine of Kerala. The study is aimed at investigating endophytic mycoflora associated with these species their ability to produce enzymes vitro. A total 149 fungal endophytes were isolated from roots, stems, leaf segments July November 2021. They grouped into 27 morphotypes, including five non-sporulating taxa. highest number isolates obtained plant basilicum. An equally lower gratissimum tenuiflorum. greater O.basilicum least O.gratissimum. Isolates Aspergillus niger complex, Diaporthe sp., Daldinia eschscholtzii showed colonizing frequency. In vitro analysis for enzyme production by all morphotypes was done and, except laccase, tested positive results.