Molecular characterization and plant growth promoting activities of red pigment producing Talaromyces atroroseus isolated from maize (Zea mays)

Abstract

The study of endophytic fungi and their impact on plant growth has gained significant attention in recent years. The interaction between microbes and plants relies on various factors including the type of association with the host plant, the ability of microorganisms to colonize plant roots and its capacity to solubilize essential nutrients from the surrounding environment. Endophytes have been found to play a crucial role in enhancing plant growth and overall health by various mechanisms. This research paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the plant growth promoting activities like phosphate solubilization, siderophore and HCN production exhibited by endophytic fungus Talaromyces atroroseus and also the effect of this fungus on growth of maize plants in pot culture. The result show that bioinoculation of this culture positively effects growth of maize plant. Further, this fungus also produces intense red pigment in the medium. Hence, in future it may be used as bioinoculant/ biofertilizer and also explored for producing eco-friendly red pigment.