Endophytic fungi of salt adapted Ipomea pes-caprae L. R. Br: their possible role in inducing salinity tolerance in paddy (Oryza sativa L.)

Endophytic fungi occur ubiquitously in all plants. Though their origin and evolution is enigmatic, they are known to play an important role in plant growth and development. Here we explore the endophytic fungal diversity of a perennial creeping vine, Ipomea pes-caprae (family Convolulaceae), occurring naturally in the coastal sand dunes of peninsular India. Of the ten endophytes isolated from the plant, Fusarium oxysporum (MH511104) was found to grow even at 2 M NaCl in potato dextrose agar medium. The fungus was able to successfully colonize and impart salinity tolerance to salt-sensitive paddy variety, IR-64. We discuss these results in the context of increasing global interest on endophytes as a possible alternative route to crop improvement.