Isolation, Characterization and Evaluation of Endophytic Fungi from Leaves of Wheat Collected From Bule Hora District, West Guji Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia, contributing significantly to food security and caloric intake. However, its productivity remains low due to declining soil fertility, disease pressure, and limited access to chemical inputs. Endophytic fungi offer a sustainable alternative for enhancing crop growth through mutualistic symbiosis. This study was conducted to isolate, identify, and evaluate the plant growth-promoting effects of endophytic fungi from wheat leaves collected in Bule Hora district, West Guji zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. A total of 205 endophytic fungi were isolated from 30 wheat leaf samples and identified into 14 genera based on macro- and micro-morphological features. The dominant genera were Penicillium (6 species, 42.93%), Aspergillus (3 species, 21.95%), and Alternaria (2 species). The highest spore density was recorded from Muri Turkuma (46), while the lowest was from Bule Kagna (35). Six dominant morphospecies (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Acremonium, and Trichoderma) were evaluated for their growth-promoting effects on wheat under greenhouse conditions using a completely randomized design. Inoculated plants showed significantly (p < 0.05) increased shoot length, root length, and shoot and root dry weight compared to non-inoculated controls. The highest mean shoot length was observed in plants inoculated with Alternaria spp. (73.1 ± 0.333 cm), followed by Penicillium spp. (72.82 ± 0.66 cm). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships among growth parameters, particularly between plant height and spike length (r = 0.896, p < 0.01), and fresh shoot weight and dry root weight (r = 0.818, p < 0.01). The findings demonstrate that wheat plants in Bule Hora district harbor diverse endophytic fungi with significant plant growth-promoting potential. These native isolates, particularly Alternaria, Penicillium, and Aspergillus species, represent promising candidates for developing sustainable bio-inoculants to enhance wheat productivity in Ethiopia. Further field evaluation and molecular characterization are recommended to facilitate their development as commercial bio-inoculants for smallholder farmers.