Fungal diversity in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh) cropping system of calcareous soil

Abstract

Soil mycofloral diversity plays a pivotal role in crop production and is an integral part of any ecosystem. Pigeonpea cropping system provides a congenial environment to soil microbes by fixing nitrogen and solubilizing phosphorus which in turn provides sufficient nutrients for their prolific growth. The present study was undertaken to know the fungal diversity in calcareous soil of Bihar region in India, which are not supportive to growth of many fungi owing to high calcium content. Soil samples were collected from pigeonpea cropping system treated with native and commercial isolates of phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) along with Rhizobium. Thirty-seven species belonging to seven genera and a group of unidentified species were isolated. Aspergillus and Penicillium were the dominant genera in all the treatments. Absidia and Cunnighmella were distributed only once as rare genera. Though single species of Pythium, Rhizopus, Periconia, Geotrichum and Gliocladium genera were recorded but their occurrence was even in all the treatments. The diversity and equitability index were not varied much in different treatments except one. The deuteromucetous fungi occupied the highest space followed by zygomycetous, mycelia sterilia and mastigomycetous fungi.