Halophilic Rock phosphate solubilising fungi: Potential biofertilizer

Salt tolerant rock phosphate solubilising fungi were isolated from the rhizospheric soil of coastal area. They were identified by using universal ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) sequence primers ITS1F and ITS4R. Isolates shows significant rock phosphate solubilisation in presence of salt in minimal media. Fungal isolates were also screened for its biochemical characters and plant growth promoting activities. Spores of the isolates could able to grow on agricultural waste and capable to survive on it. With different crops like chickpea (Cicer arietinum), Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) and mungbean (Vigna radiata), isolate Penicillum asturianum NAUSF2 significantly improved P content and available P in plant as well as improve the other growth parameters like shoot length, root length, chlorophyll content and number of nodules in non-axenic conditions for crops. Penicillum asturianum NAUSF2 also showed systemic resistance against mungbean leaf spot disease by production of jasmonic acid and antioxidative enzymes. Penicillum asturianum NAUSF2 was the best salt tolerant fungal isolate in terms of phosphate solubilisation, growth promotion and induced systemic resistance.