Exploring Microbial Solutions: A Comprehensive Study on Isolating, Characterizing, and Selecting Zinc-Solubilizing Fungi from Rhizospheric Soil

This study investigates the zinc solubilization potential of fungal isolates and their antagonistic activity against rice pathogens to address zinc deficiency and disease incidence in rice cultivation. Rhizospheric soil samples were collected, and zinc-solubilizing fungi were isolated and purified. Molecular characterization identified Talaromyces sp, Talaromyces versatilis, Talaromyces pinophilus, and Aspergillus terreus as zinc solubilizers. Qualitative and quantitative assays revealed varying solubilization efficiencies among isolates over time, with Talaromyces versatilis exhibiting the highest zinc solubilization. In inhibition assays conducted against rice pathogens, fungal isolates exhibited antagonistic potential, with Talaromyces versatilis demonstrating the highest percentage of inhibition. These findings underscore the potential of fungi as bio-based solutions for improving zinc nutrition and disease management in rice cultivation.