Isolation and characterization of endophytic fungi associated with fresh blooming flower of rafflesia kerri in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan

This study's main aim was to study and identify endophytic fungi obtained from flower elements of Rafflesia kerri in the Lojing Highlands, Kelantan, Malaysia, a rare parasitic plant that may possibly have an association with the internal microorganisms including fungi. The primary concern in this area of research is the very little knowledge about the types of endophytic fungi associated with R. kerri, their roles, and the effects of these fungi on plant health and survival in tropical climates. Through the use of culture techniques on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium combined with microscopic examination of the morphology of the isolated fungi, the purpose of this study was to determine the isolates of endophytic fungi and their characteristics from flower elements of R. kerri. Samples consisting of petal A, petal B, and ramenta were sterilized and then incubated in PDA medium for approximately two weeks before being studied. Fungi from the samples exhibited a great degree of morphological variation including colour coloration, texture, speed of growth, size of spores and hyphae, and several species of endophytic fungi appeared to contribute to processes related to the breakdown of organic matter, the cycling of nutrients, and the defence against diseases. These results indicate that additional studies need to be conducted utilizing methods that will allow for the accurate identification of fungi species such as molecular techniques (DNA markers), and further investigate the potential applications of biotechnology in the fields of agriculture, medicine, and ecosystem management.