Authors : Neetu Kushwaha; Shahzeen Fatma; Noman Arif; Sanyogita Kumari; Ashok Kumar

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4r3a5btk

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/8f63s3ex

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul894

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Abstract : Phyllosphere, an above ground plant surface acts as habitat for microorganisms. Such microhabitat is active having inadequate nutrient but supports a range of microbial communities, especially fungi, which significantly contribute in plant health and functioning of ecosystem. The present study investigates the fungal diversity of the phyllosphere associated with common genera of the family Asteraceae viz. Tagetes, Parthenium, Ageratum, Launaea, Eclipta and Chrysanthemum, widely distributed across varied agro-climatic regions. The study revealed a rich and diverse assemblage of phyllospheric fungi dominated by members of the genera Absidia, Mucor, Rhizopus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Bipolaris, Curvularia, Fusarium, Nigrospora etc. along with several sterile mycelia and unidentified forms. Variations in associated fungal taxa were influenced by host plant species, leaf exudates, leaf surface characteristics i.e. cuticle, stomata type and distribution, trichomes, surface texture etc. and seasonal factors. Saprophytic fungi viz. Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. and some mucorales genera were found more prevalent than pathogenic forms such as Alternaria sp. and Fusarium sp., indicating their contribution to maintain ecological balance and nutrient recycling on the leaf surfaces. The findings revealed that selected plants of family Asteraceae acts as reservoirs of diverse phyllospheric fungi and emphasizes their potential implications in plant disease epidemiology, biological control and environmental monitoring. Assessment of phyllosphere fungal diversity may contribute to sustainable plant protection strategies and deeper insights into plant–microbe interactions.

Keywords : Phyllosphere; Asteraceae; Fungal diversity; Aspergillus; Absidia; Alternaria.

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