Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Associated with Wheat in Semi-arid Production System of North Gujarat

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), a dynamic micro-symbiont form an
intimate link between the soil environment and plant-root-systems and provide them
better adaptability especially in stress agro-ecosystems. Different wheat based cropping
systems were studied for AMF associations. A wide variability was observed for both
spore density and root colonization by AMF in wheat based cropping systems. Thirty
seven species representing five genera were isolated from rhizosphere soils of different
wheat based crop-sequences including Mehsana, Sabarkantha and Banaskantha districts
of North Gujarat. Among the AM species isolated from rhizosphere soils under different
crop sequences, Glomus was found dominating which recorded 18 species followed by
Acaulospora (10), Sclerocystis (4), Gigaspora (3) and Scutellospora (3). In general, Glomus
mossae, G. hoi, G. fasciculatum, Acaulospora sporocarpia and A. elegans are the dominating
AMF species frequently occurred. About 6-10 times higher sporulation was observed
compared to no AMF application in wheat. Five most efficient AMF species namely
Glomus mossae, G. constrictum, G. fasciculatum, G. intraradice and G. restrictum were
identified having compassion with wheat.