Diversity of Endophytic and Rhizosphere Soil Fungi of Avicennia marina in Maravakadu Mangrove Forest

Avicennia marina (Tamil: Alai-atti): Avicennia marina is the dominant mangrove species in Muthupet and accounts for about 95% of the vegetation cover. Endophytic fungus is an endosymbiont which colonize healthy plant without causing any harm. These are relatively unexplored producers of metabolites useful to pharmaceutical industries (Petrini et al., 1992). Endophytic fungi are ubiquitous and have been found in all species of plant (Arnold et al., 2000). The Maraakadu RF Extn. BitI was created as per Govt. Ir.no.56675/ FR-III/ 86-9, dt 20.8.87 with an area of 134.05. ha. The Maravakadu RF is located in pattukottai taluk of Thanjavur district. Endophytic fungus is an endosymbiont which colonize healthy plant without causing any harm. Avicennia marina leaves and rhizosphere soil of the plant was collected during four seasons, premonsoon, monsoon, postmonsoon and summer. Phoma sp, Aspergillus sp and Penicillium sp were most frequently isolated .