EN
Four dominant non-mycorrhizal fungal endophytes isolated from surface-sterilized tissue segments of two indigenous orchids of the Western Ghats (Acampe praemorsa and Luisia curtisii) were selected to assess in vitro production of bioactive metabolites and plant growth promotion. Beauveria bassiana and Botrytis cinerea were dominant endophytes in A. praemorsa, while Phialophora sp. and Sarocladium spinificis dominated in L. curtisii. Beauveria bassiana produced the highest quantity of indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA) and salicylic acid (SA). Culture suspension of all endophytes significantly induced higher germination compared to the control in seeds of green gram (Vigna radiata), while the radicle length was significantly higher in seeds treated with culture suspension of S. spinificis, followed by Phialophora sp. Being substantial producers of plant growth hormones (IAA and GA) and plant growth regulators (SA), B. bassiana and B. cinerea isolated from A. praemorsa deserve to be evaluated by fermentation techniques with different conditions to enhance their capability. This study also advocates inoculation of fungal endophytes of orchids studied into economically important legumes and cereals to enhance the productivity.