ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI: A KEY PLAYER IN PLANT–MICROBE INTERACTIONS AND ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONING

248 UDK: 579.64:581.1:574.4 ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI: A KEY PLAYER IN PLANT–MICROBE INTERACTIONS AND ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONING Khalmuratova Irina Aleksandrovna, Department of Agriculture, Selection and Seed Production of Agricultural Crops Karakalpak Institute of Agriculture and Agrotechnology, PhD, Rashidov Azizbek Anvarovich, Jalgasbaev Barlikbay Torebaevich., Tilewbergenov Quwanish Qadirbergenovich, 4th year student of the Karakalpak Institute of Agriculture and Agrotechnologies DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17537176 Summary: This article explores the vital role of endophytic fungi in maintaining plant health, enhancing soil fertility, and supporting ecosystem functioning. These microorganisms inhabit plant tissues without causing harm and produce a variety of bioactive compounds such as plant hormones and enzymes. Their biotechnological potential is immense, particularly in sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration, including the degraded environments of the Aral Sea region. Key words: plant, endophytes, fungi, soil, biotechnology, Aral region. Introduction. Plants coexist with a vast diversity of microorganisms that form complex microbial networks essential for plant development and environmental balance. Understanding these relationships is crucial for advancing agroecology and ecosystem restoration [1]. Endophytes — microorganisms that live within plant tissues (from the Greek endon = “within” and phyton = “plant”) — often originate from the rhizosphere and phyllosphere. They do not harm their host plants and, in many cases, enhance their resilience against abiotic and biotic stresses. The study of endophytes has gained increasing attention due to their ability to produce plant growth-promoting substances and natural bioactive compounds with agricultural, pharmaceutical, and ecological applications [2]. Biodiversity of Fungal Endophytes. Endophytic fungi represent diverse taxonomic groups, including Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mucoromycota, and Oomycota. The dominant genera often include Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Piriformospora. Their occurrence and diversity are influenced by multiple factors such as plant species, climatic conditions, soil type, and pH. Studying fungal endophyte diversity is especially relevant in arid and semi-arid regions like Karakalpakstan, where harsh environmental conditions challenge plant growth and soil stability. Isolation and Characterization of Fungal Endophytes. The isolation of fungal endophytes requires collecting plant tissue samples under sterile conditions, 249 usually in sterile polyethylene bags, and transferring them promptly to the laboratory. Both morphological and molecular approaches are essential for reliable identification and characterization [3]. Morphological methods include analyzing colony color, growth rate, and spore morphology. However, these features alone can be insufficient for accurate identification due to similarities among fungal species [4]. Molecular methods, including DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, provide greater precision and allow researchers to confirm taxonomic placement and study phylogenetic relationships [5]. Integrating both morphological and molecular tools gives a more comprehensive understanding of fungal endophytes and their ecological and biotechnological significance. Biotechnological Applications of Endophytic Fungi. Endophytic fungi contribute significantly to plant growth and stress tolerance. They synthesize phytohormones such as indole acetic acid (IAA) and cytokinins, improve nutrient uptake, and protect plants from pathogens through the production of antimicrobial compounds. These properties make them valuable as biofertilizers and biocontrol agents, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. In the Aral Sea basin, where soil salinity and degradation pose serious agricultural challenges, endophytic fungi represent a promising ecological solution. Their application could enhance soil fertility, stimulate crop growth, and support sustainable farming in regions affected by desertification and salinization. Endophytic Fungi and Soil Ecosystem Functioning. Endophytic fungi play a central role in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. They produce extracellular enzymes such as cellulase, lipase, protease, and pectinase, which help break down plant residues and return essential nutrients to the soil. By accelerating organic matter turnover, these fungi contribute to soil fertility, structure, and stability, which are vital for long-term ecosystem functioning and recovery of degraded lands. Conclusion and Future Prospects. The intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has negatively impacted the environment, contributing to soil degradation, air pollution, and groundwater contamination. Endophytic fungi, in contrast, provide a natural and sustainable alternative to restore soil fertility and support plant health. Future research should focus on the development of genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic tools to understand how endophytic fungi interact with plants, particularly under stress conditions such as salinity, drought, and nutrient deficiency. In the context of the Aral region’s changing ecosystems, 250 exploring the ecological potential of fungal endophytes could play a vital role in restoring soil health and promoting sustainable agriculture. Acknowledgment. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating biological and natural sciences to understand and restore the transforming ecosystems of the Aral Sea region. The research contributes to the growing recognition of endophytic fungi as key allies in achieving ecological balance and sustainable agricultural development. Reference: 1. Endophytic fungal communities and their biotechnological implications for agroenvironmental sustainability. Yadav AN, Kour D, Kaur T, Devi R, Yadav A. Folia Microbiol (Praha). 2022 Apr;67(2):203-232. 2. Endophytes as sources of bioactive products. Strobel GA. Microbes Infect. 2003 May;5(6):535-544. 3. Endophytic fungi of salt-tolerant plants: diversity and ability to promote plant growth. Khalmuratova I, Choi DH, Kim JG, Lee IS. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2021 Nov 28;31(11):1526-1532. 4. Diversity and plant growth promotion of fungal endophytes in five halophytes from the Buan salt marsh. Khalmuratova I, Choi DH, Yoon HJ, Yoon TM, Kim JG. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2021 Mar 28;31(3):408-418. 5. Diversity and plant growth-promoting effects of fungal endophytes isolated from salttolerant plants. 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