Endophytic fungi isolated from Khaya anthotheca in Ghana

An important African timber tree species, white mahogany (Khaya anthotheca), is heavily exploited and vulnerable. Endophytic fungi are thought to have an important role in plant communities, e.g. by increasing the fitness of the host tree. The aim of the present study was to isolate and characterize endophytic fungi collected from K. anthotheca in Ghana. In total, 64 fungal isolates were obtained from symptomless leaf samples. The fungi were grouped according to their morphology, and subjected to DNA sequence comparisons of the ribosomal ITS region. Based on phylogenetic analyses, the fungal isolates were grouped in Sordariomycetes and Dothideomycetes (Ascomycota). Species of Xylariales were the most common fungi associated with K. anthotheca. The results of this study indicate that K. anthotheca serves as a host to numerous endophytic fungi. These fungi could have significance as a source of novel metabolites, and for the fitness of this tree species.

► The first report of endophytic fungi associated with Khaya anthotheca in Ghana.
► Forms a framework for further investigations on fungi associated with K. anthotheca.
► A high number of endophytes were encountered during this relatively small survey.
► All the fungi were included in Sordariomycetes and Dothideomycetes (Ascomycota).
► Several species seem to present previously unidentified or poorly studied species.