Diversity of Endophytic Fungi in Leaves of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Non-Infected Ganoderma (Ganoderma boninense)

Abstract

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a strategic plantation commodity that plays an important role in the Indonesian economy. The productivity of this plant is influenced by the health of its tissues and the presence of microorganisms that naturally inhabit it. This study aims to identify the types of fungi present in the foliar tissue of healthy plants in the PTPN IV Gunung Bayu Unit area. The research used a descriptive qualitative method, involving isolation on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media, followed by macroscopic and microscopic observations. We sterilized samples with ethanol and NaOCl, then incubated them for about seven days at 28°C before purifying the cultures. We identified isolates based on colony characteristics and microscopic structures using lactophenol cotton blue dye. The results revealed four isolates, HB, HT, HM, and HG, with distinct morphological features. The HM isolate was identified as being similar to Aspergillus sp. This study's strength lies in documenting several microorganisms associated with healthy plants that could serve as sources of biological agents to enhance plant resilience. The findings provide a basis for further research, including antagonist testing and the development of environmentally friendly disease control strategies in oil palm plantations.