Deciphering the effects of the culturable endophytic fungal community of maize under varied agronomic practices

We used culture-dependent methods to isolate endophytic fungi from various tissues of maize (Zea mays L.), including leaves, cobs and roots. The study assessed the diversity of endophytic fungal communities in maize cultivated under long-term conservation agriculture practices in northern India, specifically conservative tillage (CT) and reduced tillage (RT). Endophytes were identified using ITS-rDNA sequencing to determine their distribution patterns within asymptomatic maize tissues. Leaf tissues harboured endophytic genera such as Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Penicillium and Sarocladium. Premature cobs contained Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Kalmusia, Mucor, Penicillium and Sarocladium. Root tissue of maize also contained important genera like Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Fusarium, Penicillium and Purpureocillium. Across both tillage systems, leaf tissues consistently yielded Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium and Penicillium. Root tissues under both tillage systems frequently harboured Aspergillus and Penicillium. Kalmusia, Mucor, Penicillium and Sarocladium were observed exclusively under the RT system. The findings reveal distinct distribution patterns shaping the maize mycobiome under varying agronomic conditions.