#pteridophytes

This study assessed the species composition, diversity, and conservation status of ferns (Pteridophyta) in Barangay New Casul, Mutia, Zamboanga del Norte. Three 10 × 10-meter quadrats were established across distinct microhabitats, and ferns were identified using morphological and taxonomic references. A total of sixteen fern species from nine families were recorded, representing both terrestrial and epiphytic forms. The families Aspleniaceae and Nephrolepidaceae were the most represented, while Athyriaceae, Dryopteridaceae, Gleicheniaceae, Lygodiaceae, Marattiaceae, Davalliaceae, Polypodiaceae, Psilotaceae, and Pteridaceae occurred less frequently. Diplazium esculentum, Nephrolepis biserrata, and Dryopteris australis were the most dominant and widely distributed species, reflecting their ecological tolerance to moderate habitat disturbance. Three species carried conservation designations: Drynaria quercifolia (Vulnerable), Angiopteris evecta (Other Threatened Species), and Lygodium circinnatum (Economically Important Species). The computed Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index (H′ = 1.23) indicates low species diversity, suggesting that the area is dominated by generalist species adapted to partially disturbed conditions. These findings suggest the importance of small upland habitats in maintaining fern assemblages and highlight the need for localized conservation and habitat restoration initiatives to preserve remaining fern diversity in Mutia and nearby upland ecosystems.

Two species of pteridophytes, viz., Adiantum capillus and Nephrolepis cordifolia pteridophyte plant species of the tropical herb, studied by endophytic fungi were collected from Coonoor, a city in (Ooty) Nilgiris district in the south India state of Tamil Nadu. They were screened for the presence of fungal endophytes from the plant parts. A total of 17 species of fungal endophytes were recorded. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporium, Curvularia lunata and Phomopsis sp. 1 occurred in all the pteridophyte species screened. The maximum number of endophytic fungal species was observed in Adiantum capillus, while Nephrolepis cordifolia ranked first in the number of isolates. The species composition, endophyte assemblage and pattern of colonisation among these vascular cryptogams were similar to those of the most studied phanerogams.

Two species of pteridophytes, viz., Adiantum capillus and Nephrolepis cordifolia pteridophyte plant species of the tropical herb, studied by endophytic fungi were collected from Coonoor, a city in (Ooty) Nilgiris district in the south India state of Tamil Nadu. They were screened for the presence of fungal endophytes from the plant parts. A total of 17 species of fungal endophytes were recorded. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporium, Curvularia lunata and Phomopsis sp. 1 occurred in all the pteridophyte species screened. The maximum number of endophytic fungal species was observed in Adiantum capillus, while Nephrolepis cordifolia ranked first in the number of isolates. The species composition, endophyte assemblage and pattern of colonisation among these vascular cryptogams were similar to those of the most studied phanerogams.