Insight into the taxonomic diversity and bioprospecting potential of endophytic fungi from Tanzania

Abstract

The direct exploitation of plants, particularly medicinal species, for bioactive compounds has raised environmental concerns, calling for sustainable alternatives such as the use of endophytic fungi. Globally, endophytic fungi have attracted scientific attention as valuable sources of secondary metabolites for medicine, agriculture, and industry. This review highlight on the taxonomic diversity, bioprospecting potential and challenges of endophytic fungi research in Tanzania. Generally, in Tanzania, research on endophytic fungi is still limited but promising. In Tanzania, most of the reported endophytic fungi species were under phylum Ascomycota, subphylum Pezizomycotina and class Sordariomycetes. Endophytic fungi such as Aspergillus aculeautinus and Penicillium menonorum with potential applications in medicine, agriculture and industries have been isolated. However, most studies in Tanzania focused on medicinal endophytes with few studies on agricultural potential of endophytic fungi. Industrial potential of endophytic fungi in Tanzania has not been explored. The study further uncovers the need for future research to explore the country vast ecosystem for unique endophytic fungi by integrating metagenomics techniques. By consolidating this knowledge, it serves as a reference for scientists exploring fungal endophytes in Tanzania and beyond, offering insights to guide future research and promote sustainable bioprospecting globally.