Isolation and identification of fungi associated with Sonneratia caseolaris in Setiu Wetland

Abstract

Mangrove is a very dynamic and highly productive ecosystem, well known for its marine fungi that produce useful bioactive compounds. In this study, the fungi associated with Sonneratia caseolaris from Kampung Mangkuk, Setiu, were isolated. In order to isolate the fungi, fragments of leaves, twigs, roots and pneumatophores were cultured using two techniques, direct plating and damp incubation technique. As for the identification process, slides preparation was done and fungi were identified based on their morphology using an imaging microscope. In direct plating technique, one Ascomycete and nine Deuteromycetes were isolated. On the other hand, in damp incubation technique, one Ascomycete, eight Deuteromycetes and one Zygomycetes were isolated. Throughout both the techniques, all fungi isolated were terrestrial fungi. From this study, it is learnt that the fungi favors the stems of S. caseolaris. A molecular technique can be used for an accurate identification of the fungi isolated. These isolates can be used further to exploit their potential bioactive compounds.