Biomass Destructuring Enzymes of Fungal Endophytes of Mangrove Roots

Fungal endophytes of mangrove roots were found to be halotolerant and grew in the presence of different concentrations of NaCl in the growth medium (0, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 or 4.5%).The growth of a few endophytes was reduced slightly with increasing salt (NaCl) concentration; the growth of Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Pseudopestalotiopsis theae was unaffected by salt in the medium.Interestingly, Phomopsis sp. 1 showed increased growth in the presence of salt.Some of the endophytes elaborated salt induced and salt tolerant cellulase and β-glucosidase enzymes.They also produced salt tolerant laccases.These results go to suggest that the halotolerant mangrove root endophytes could function effectively as biomass degraders in the submerged ecosystem of mangroves and play a role in nutrient cycling here.