Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Diversity in Sugarcane Rhizosphere in Relation with Soil Properties

Promita Datta,Mohan Kulkarni

doi:10.15835/nsb416567

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) species diversity and their root colonization patterns may vary in a plant species as influenced by soil environmental and biological factors. In the present study, sugarcane rhizospheric soils were collected from 41 main sugarcane producing tehsil places belonging to 10 districts from Maharashtra, India. Rhizospheric soil samples and roots were analyzed for spore density, relative abundance and frequency of AM spores at genus as well as at species level, extent of AM colonization in roots and various soil chemical properties. Soil sample from Jalgaon district possessed maximum spore density and AM root colonization. Genus Glomus exhibited highest relative abundance with maximum frequency of 32.55%. Species wise, Glomus fasciculatum possessed highest relative abundance and maximum frequency was observed in case of Glomus fasciculatum, Glomus intraradices, Glomus mosseae and Glomus versiforme. Maximum similarity of AM spores was recorded between Satara and Sangli districts which may be because of almost similar soil pH profile. Data obtained after cluster analysis represented the close relationship between spore density, AM root colonization and soil Cu, Zn and Fe concentrations. A statistically significant positive correlation was also found when AM spore density and root colonization was compared with soil Cu, Zn and Fe contents. This kind of data can be used to predict type of AM fungi to be used as bioinoculant in particular region.

Highlights

It is already reported that, Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is naturally occur in saline environment and their spore density is improved as saline stress stimulates sporulation (Sengupta and Chaudhuri, 1990; Tressner and Hayes, 1971)
As certain species of Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi do not turn up in trap culture as well as some individual spore types in different trap cultures did not multiply at the same rate and to avoid ambiguity, spore density, frequency and relative abundance of AM spores were calculated from field collected soil samples
The present study indicate spore density and species diversity and their extent of root colonization in sugarcane roots is influenced by amount of Cu, Fe and Zn present in soils and this can be considered as an additional factors which supports AM spore diversity

Summary

Introduction

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are considered as obligate biotrophic symbionts and are associated with the fine roots of over 80% terrestrial plant species (Smith and Read, 1997). In this plant-fungus association, fungus depends upon host plant for nutrition and reproduction and in return provides phosphate and essential mineral nutrients from soil to the host plant. Other than P translocation, AM fungi provide protection to host plant roots from soil-borne pathogenic attack, they improve tolerance of plants to several abiotic stresses, including drought and saline stress condition, by producing plant growth hormones, maintain stability of soil aggregation, increase resistance to diseases etc (Evelin et al, 2009). Plant species vary in their symbiotic responsiveness to AM fungi with respect to plant growth, reproduction, abiotic stress, disease resistance etc (Danesh et al, 2006)

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Conclusion