AM FUNGAL DIVERSITY IN THE PLANT COMMUNITY OF VELLIANGIRI HILLS, WESTERN GHATS, COIMBATORE.

Muthuraj H,Venkatachalapathi A,Krishnan E,Nagarajan N,Siva Priya K.T,Abdul Kaffoor H

doi:10.26524/krj233

Abstract

The ecological mechanisms of AM fungal diversity ensure successful management for conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems. Here the study contacted to estimate the diversity of AM fungal and their function in Velliangiri hills, Western Ghats, Coimbatore. The community structure of AM fungi, asdetermined by number of spores present in 100g of soil, varied with sampling time in plant community. And all so the morphological identification was done by microscopic characters. Soil properties like pH, macro and micro nutrient and the climate data were collected for all tree years to know their impact on fungalcommunity. The overall result conform the root colonization and spore population were higher in winter season and also lower in rainy. Totally 30 AM fungal species from 10 genera were identified the important genera were Acaulospora, Ambispora, Claroideoglomus, Funneliformis, Gigaspora, Glomus, Racocetra,Redeckera, Rhizophagus and Scutellospora. Among these five genera, Glomus occurred most frequently. In general, Rhizophagus fasciculatus was found to be most abundant species. Consequently, this result conform the rich diversity in the study area. This symbiotic relationship had important roles in establishment of plant community of this area.

Highlights

The ecological mechanisms of AM fungal diversity ensure successful management for conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems
The study purpose was to isolate the diversity and function of AM Fungi associated with some medicinal plants located in Velliangiri hills
Crotalaria barbata (47%), Plectranthus fruticosus (88%) and Crotalaria albida (66%) were noted higher percentage of root colonization and Begonia malabarica (12%), Abutilon hirtum (8%) Piper longum and Begonia malabarica (8%) were found as lower infected plant roots

Summary

Introduction

The ecological mechanisms of AM fungal diversity ensure successful management for conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems. Rhizophagus fasciculatus was found to be most abundant species This result conform the rich diversity in the study area. This symbiotic relationship had important roles in establishment of plant community of this area. Where the mycelial network of AM fungi extends greatly increases the surface area for the uptake of immobile nutrients and they build up the macroporous structure in soil that allows penetration of water and air and thereby prevents erosion. They have great potential in the restoration of disturbed land and low fertility soil [3].

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion