Diversity and Distribution of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Selected Medicinal Plants

Abstract

Background: Tha Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) association previously known as VAM belongs to an ancient fungal group known as Glomeromycota. In this study five commonly used medicinal plants viz., Eclipta prostrata, Mentha arvensis, Elettaria cardamomum, Bacopa monneri and Mimosa pudica were investigated for AMF colonization in the form of arbuscules, vesicles and hyphae from their roots and their rhizospheric soil was isolated for AMF spores. Majorly two genera of AMF dominated the rhizospheric soil of the plants investigated which were Acaulospora and Glomus. Altogether 12 AMF spores were isolated from the rhizospheric environment of the plants and they belonged to six different genera of AMF. Methods: In this field-laboratory investigation during 2022-23, different localities of Banaras Hindu University was surveyed. 5 different plants were selected for investigation on the diversity and distribution of AMF colonisation found in their rhizospheric soil. Result: Our investigation on the diversity and distribution of AMF of few selected plants from BHU have allowed us to isolate and morphologically identify 12 different species of AMF from 6 different genera. The geographical distribution of the collected species was discussed. The present work will be a complementary contribution to the comprehensive study of the identification and utility of AMF in plant growth and sust.