Biomass Production, Nutrient Uptake and Nodulation in Prosopis cineraria by Indigenous VAM Fungi

Abstract

The incidence of root infection by indigenous VAM fungi and its consequence on biomass production, nodulation and nutrition of Prosopis cilleraria were studied in pots in five different soils of Indian Thar desert. Soil sterilization completely inhibited root colonization by indigenous VAM fungi. However, considerable root colonization occurred in roots of the plants in unsterilized soils. Root colonization by indigenous VAM fungi resulted in improved nodulation. The indigenous VAM fungi also improved uptake of N, P, K, Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn in all the five soil types. VAM infection resulted in increased biomass production and the plant showed field mycorrhizal dependency for its biomass.