VAM Fungi Research Articles

Pigeonpea Productivity and Soil Health as Influenced by Phosphorus Levels and AM Fungi under Different Planting Methods

A field experiment was conducted at ARS, Bheemarayarnagudi, Karnataka to study the effect of phosphorus graded levels and inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi under different establishment techniques in pigeonpea during kharif season of three years (2010-13) in Upper Krishna Project command area of Karnataka. The treatment consists of phosphorus graded levels (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50kg ha-1) with inoculation VAM fungi under two establishment techniques (Transplanted and dibbled) with randomized block design. Three-year pooled data indicated that, Application of 50 kg P + VAM under transplanting technique recorded significantly higher pigeonpea yield (1510 kg ha-1) and it was on par with application 37.5 kg P + VAM under transplanting method over rest of the treatment. The economics and nutrient uptake also noticed similar trend. It proved that pigeonpea could be successfully transplanted in the UKP command area of Karnataka by applying 37.5 kg of phosphorus ha-1 in conjunction with VAM fungus inoculation. This boosted crop productivity, nutrient availability, and net returns.

The Use of rhizobia and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza to improve drought resistance of Kudzu (Pueraria phaseoloides (Roxb.)Benth.) in coastal land

A study was conducted to examine the association between Rhizobium and VAM fungi on the kudzu plant growth and response to drought stress in coastal dry land. The research was carried out in three phases: (1) germination of kudzu seeds; (2) multiplication of VAM and Rhizobia inoculums; and (3) inoculation of fungi and/or bacteria on plants grown at various soil moisture content. At the inoculation phase, the pot experiment was carried out for 8 weeks with a pot experiment arranged based on a 4 x 4 treatment factorial Completely Randomized Design with three replications to test the source of the inoculum and soil moisture content (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%). Observations were made on: (1) Rhizobial infection activity and nodulation; (2) VAM infection activity; (3) plant growth, and 4) population dynamics of rhizobacteria. The results showed that the rhizobia inoculation alone was not able to increase the bacterial infection activity and root nodulation, the VAM fungal infection, and plant growth. Inoculation with VAM fungi alone was able to stimulate infection activity of nodule-forming bacteria and root nodulation, VAM fungal infection activity, and plant growth. The combination of VAM fungal and rhizobial inoculation was able to stimulate fungal infection activity and growth of plant roots and shoots, but not always able to stimulate bacterial infection activity and root nodulation. Inoculation of VAM fungi alone was able to stimulate the plant growth rates even up to a drought stress level of 75%. This means that inoculation of VAM fungi alone was able to increase drought resistance and maintain the plant growth rates at high levels of drought stress.

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Different Combination of Foliar Application of Nutrients on Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Aerobic Rice

Background: In Aerobic rice cultivation, crop would faces water and nutrient deficiency; it would be a difficult for roots to reach in those situation. During that stress situation VAM fungi helps to observe water along with essential nutrients results out of efficiently increases the nutrient uptake. Methods: The field experiment was conducted during 2022 at wetland farms, Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The experiment consisted of thirteen treatments, which includes different recommended doses of VAM 50, 62.5 and 75 kg ha-1 together with different combinations of foliar application of 0.5% of urea, 0.5% of ZnSO4 and 1% of FeSO4. Conclusion: The experiment results concluded that the combined application of 150 % of recommended dose of VAM and foliar application of 0.5% urea + 0.5% of ZnSO4 + 1% of FeSO4 at 25 and 45 DAS, significantly increased the nutrient uptake, by improving the morphology of shoot and root biomass under upland condition.

Enhancement of seedling quality in small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton.) through inoculation of VAM fungi and liquid microbial inoculants as PGPR

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of liquid microbial inoculants on quality seedlings production in small cardamom at ZAHRS, Mudigere, Karnataka during 2020-21with nine treatments and three replications in CRD. The results of study revealed that, among the different treatments studied, combined inoculation of liquid PGPR (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus mucilaginosus) and VAM recorded significantly maximum pseudostem height, pseudostem girth, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, total chlorophyll content, total dry matter production, number of primary and secondary roots, root length, root thickness, root volume, total dry matter production, tillering percentage, Dickson quality index and volume index at 150 days after inoculation in the secondary nursery. Similarly, significantly higher microbial population in terms total bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were observed in the nursery media with conjuctive use of liquid microbial inoculants and VAM.

VASICULAR–ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN QUINOA (CHENOPODIUM QUINOA WILLD.)

Vesicular-arbusucular mycorrhizal fungi are known to be well distributed along with the hemisphere. During the present investigation Quinoa rhizosphere soil samples were collected from different parts of Telangana state and analyzed for the presence of VAM fungi. These fungi were found to be widely distributed throughout the area studies. More number of the spores were isolated from the rhizosphere soils of Quinoa which was collected from different areas of Telangana State. All the VAM fungi isolated are commonly found and are equally abundant being recorded from 90% of the most commly recorded. Among these were 2 species of Acaulospora 9 speceis are Glomus and one each or Gigaspora and Scutellospora.

EFFECT OF VESICULAR ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA (VAM) INOCULANTS ON GROWTH OF TOMATO

Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic association with roots of most terrestrial plants including many agricultural crops. These are known to occur globally in a broad range of dissimilar environments from arctic to tropic and occupy a wide range of ecological niches. The role of VAM fungi in the improvement of crop plants is well documented. VAM fungi are known to improve the nutrient status of the plants, increase growth and development, protect plants against pathogens and confer resistance to drought and salinity. Sustainable agriculture has become a serious issue due to the energy crisis and environmental issues. Therefore, agricultural production is aimed to produce maximum output with minimum input. During agricultural production it is necessary to use organic fertilizers rather than chemical fertilizers. In the present study, authors assessed the efficacy of inoculants of three species of VAM fungi singly and in combination, on growth of tomato.

Mycorrhizal Association in Industrial Wastelands in Kota, Rajasthan, India

Mycorrhizal symbiosis occurs between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and most of the vascular plants and is a highly evolved mutually beneficial relationship occurring within the rhizosphere of the vascular plants. The host plants are directly conferred benefits to the growth and development due to this symbiotic association. Their function ranges from stress alleviation to bioremediation in polluted soils besides their importance in the restoration of degraded wastelands. In this investigation colonization percentage and spore density of VAM fungi were studied in industrial waste dump sites and soil having natural vegetation. Industrial waste dump sites are characteristically dominated by Glomus. Mycorrhizal association and spore formation potential of AMF was significantly lowered in soil disturbed due to industrial waste dumping.

Impact of N-fertilization and peanut shell biochar on soil microbial community structure and enzyme activities in a Typic Haplustoll under different management practices

The application of biochar with N-fertilizer is one of the most attractive practices for increasing soil quality and fertility. However, few studies have examined the combined effects of peanut biochar and urea on soil microbial community structure and function. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis and various enzyme activities were used to monitor microbial community structure and function in a 20-week incubation experiment. Different rates of biochar (0, 1, and 3% dry wt. soil) and N-fertilizers (with or without urea addition at 0.2 g kg−1) were applied to a Typic Haplustoll under conventional (CV) and conservation (CS) land management practices. A pristine forest soil (CK) was also included as control. Overall, the lowest microbial activity and abundance of microbial PLFA bioindicators were recorded under CV, confirming that conservation management may improve soil quality. Our study also indicated that the effect of biochar and management practices on the microbial community structure was more significant than that of urea. Particularly under both CS and CK, biochar tended to increase glucosidase, glucuronidase, and phosphomonoesterase activities, being on average 65%, 43%, and 85% significantly higher in biochar 3% than in the control treatment, respectively. Thus, we found a strong correlation between soil macronutrients and enzymes such as glucosidase and urease. Although total PLFA content was poorly affected, biochar addition increased some individual PLFA biomarkers, suggesting that both the biochar rates (1% and 3%) may increase Gram-negative bacteria and fungal populations. Regardless of biochar addition, urea application significantly increased urease activity. We also found a positive correlation between fungal PLFAs (VAM and total fungi) and urease activity, indicating that biochar tended to increase fungal biomass. The combined application of biochar and urea to soil under appropriate management may thus be a feasible and effective strategy for improving soil microbial quality.

THE RESPONSE OF BIO-FERTILIZERS TO THE PRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF CEREAL CROPS

The land is a limited resource. Due to the increase in population; it is necessary to increase crop yield from the viewpoint of food security. The sole use of inorganic fertilizers may create an imbalance in soil health by the reduction in crop yield. For sustainable crop production, it is necessary to balance the soil health using organics and bio-fertilizers along with the optimum use of chemical fertilizers. Bio-fertilizers are important in the nutrient management of crops because of their role in nutrient supply leading to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. The use of Bio-fertilizers is a cost-effective and eco-friendly technology in crop production which is gaining importance in crop production the commonly used biofertilizers are azotobactor, azosprillium, PSB, VAM fungi.

Diversity of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in rhizosphere of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties in Southwest Nigeria

Diversity of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in rhizosphere of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties in Southwest Nigeria

Effect of Different Bio-fertilizers on the Chlorophyll, Nitrogen and Vitamin E Content in Arachis hypogeae L. and Sesamum indicum L.

The peanut or ground nut (Arachis hypogeae L.) is a species in the legume or bean family (Fabaceae). Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a flowering plant belonging to the family Pedaliaceae. The present study was carried out to study the effect of different bio-fertilizers on the chlorophyll, nitrogen content on the 30th day of growth of the plants and Vitamin E content in the seeds after harvest of the two test crops. The bio-fertilizers used were Azospirillum, panchagavya, VAM fungi and a mixture of these three fertilizers. Control plant was maintained without any fertilizer application. The chlorophyll and nitrogen content seemed to be more in the plants treated with mixture of organic fertilizers in both the plants. The Vitamin E content were found to be higher in seeds obtained from Azospirillum treated plants in groundnut and VAM fungus treated plants in sesame.

Quantitative changes of chitinase and ß 1, 3 glucanase in cucumber roots pre-colonized by VAM fungus against Meloidogyne incognita

Quantitative changes of chitinase and ß 1, 3 glucanase in cucumber roots pre-colonized by VAM fungus against Meloidogyne incognita

Effect of N fertilizer on formation of Vam Fungi, growth and mineral concentration of Onion

The effects on N fertilization on growth and root colonization of preinoculated onion (Allium cepa) were studied. Onion transplants, inoculated with either Glomus intraradices, Glomus versiforme or nothing at sowing, were grown under three levels of N in soils which had either been irradiated, Irradiated and amended with non-mycorrhizal microflora, or not irradiated. Interactions between inoculation and soil treatment had a significant effect on dry biomass and final bulb diameter. Control plants cultivated in non-irradiated natural soil grew normally because of the presence of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizae, but control plants in irradiated soils were stunted. There was no such difference among inoculated plants. In non-irradiated natural soil, bulbs of onions inoculated with G. intraradices or G. versiforme were significantly firmer than bulb of control plants. Bulb firmness decreased as N fertilization level increased. In non-irradiated natural soil, tissue P concentration of onion plants preinoculated with either fungus was significantly higher than that of control plants. In all soil types,- N, P, and Zn concentrations were higher in onion plants colonized by G. versiforme than in those colonized by G. intraradices. The opposite was true of Mn tissue concentration

KEPADATAN JAMUR MIKORIZA VESIKULAR ARBUSKULAR (MVA) DI KAWASAN HUTAN MANGROVE DESA PENITI KABUPATEN MEMPAWAH KALIMANTAN BARAT

Mycorrhizal fungi are fungi that are associated with higher levels of plants and are very important in plant growth. Mycorrhizal fungi can be found most of the land, one of which is in the mangrove forest. This study was conducted to determine the type of fungus and the percentage of infections in plant roots and fungal density of VAM found in the Mangrove Forest area at Mempawah Regency, West Kalimantan. This research was conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory of the Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Analysis of soil chemical content was carried out in the Laboratory of Chemical and Soil Fertility, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanjungpura University. Isolation of spores was carried out by wet filter method and continued with centrifugation. The results indicated that the spores found consisted of 3 genera were Glomus, Gigaspora and Paraglomus. The percentage of root infections by mycorrhizal fungi was classified as low at 10.65%, and density of VAM fungus spores in Parit Tanjung as many 13 spores, Kasim as many 10 spores, Sungai Burung as many 59 spores and Tanjung as many 33 spores.

DISTRIBUTION OF VESICULAR-ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN SOILS POLLUTED WITH INDUSTRIAL AND SEWAGE EFFLUENTS

The microbial communities including VAM fungi get affected by the sewage and industrial effluent. About this there is not much information. Soil polluted with sewage effluents supported less VAM population than non-polluted. 44 VAM fungal species were collected and indentified.

English

English

Performance of fodder maize (Zea Mays L.) as influenced by residual effect of in organic fertilizer and biofertilizers in Western UP

A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm of A.S. College, Lakhaoti, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh during 2005–07 to “study on nutrient management in lentil and its residual effect on subsequent fodder The experiment was laid out in a split plot design keeping four treatments of inorganic fertilizers in main plots and four treatments of biofertilizers in sub-plots with three replications. The total number of treatments was 16 and total number of plots was 48. The gross plot size was 15m2 (5 × 3m). Application of 40 kg P2O5 through SSP + 5 kg Zn produced significantly taller plants of maize as compared to remaining treatments of fertilizer (40 kg P2O5 through RP and 40 kg P2O5 through RP + 5 kg Z) and control at both the stages of crop growth during both the seasons except that in 2005–06, where no significant effect was noted between 40 kg P2O5 through RP + 5 kg Zn and 40 kg P2O5 through SSP + 5 kg Zn. This might be due to better growth and fodder yield of maize resulted by enhanced availability of N and P due to enrichment of available N and P in soil by preceding lentil crop. Application of 40 kg P2O5 through RP and SSP + 5 kg Zn being at par produced markedly more fodder yield/plant over the application of 40 kg P2O5 through RP alone and no fertilizer application during both the seasons. Similar trend was observed in respect of dry matter yield/plant during both the years of investigation. However Dual application of Rhizobium and VAM fungi registered significant increase 6.00 and 8.00 respectively in fodder and dry matter yield/ha compared to VAM fungi inoculation during 2005–06 and the corresponding increase during 2006–07 were 8.00 and 4.00 VAM fungi also recorded increase 9.00 and 9.00% in dry fodder and dry matter yield/ha during 2005–06 and corresponding increase during 2006–07 were 11.00 and 10.00% over no inoculation. The differences in respect of dry matter yield/ha between Rhizobium and VAM fungi inoculation was not marked during 2006–07.

Effect of Four Mycorrhizal Products on Squash Plant Growth and its Effect on Physiological Plant Elements

Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (VAM) are a symbiotic fungi belonging to phylum Glomeromycota, which interact with the root system of higher plants by producing external and internal hyphae, vesiculars and arbuscules. This study aimed to determine the efficiency of VAM fungi in increasing squash plant growth, plant root surface and its effect on physiological plant elements. Four mycorrhizal products; Bacto_Prof, Endomyk_Basic, Endomyk_ Conc and Endomyk_Prof were imported from Terrabioscience Company, Germany, contained Glomus intraradices. Each product was used in three doses; half, recommended and double dose according to the application rates and instructions indicated by the manufacturer. Endomyk_Basic was the most effective product in improving plant growth. Height of squash plants in the recommended dose treatment was enhanced significantly by all mycorrhizal products; Bacto_Prof, Endomyk_Basic, Endomyk_Conc and Endomyk_Prof by 17, 18, 19 and 13% in comparison to control plants, respectively. Double dose was the most effective treatment which increased squash plant growth and root weight. Concentration of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) were markedly higher in root system than in shoot system. Mycorrhizal products increased N in roots by 6, 21, 17 and 11%, while P was enhanced by 21, 4, 9 and 8% for Bacto_Prof, Endomyk_Basic, Endomyk_Conc and Endomyk_Prof, respectively. Concentrations of fat in shoot was higher than root system, while in crude protein and fiber, the plant root was significantly higher than shoot system by 6 and 52%, respectively. For the carbohydrate concentration, shoot system was higher than root system by 97% increase. From the results of this study, it was concluded that all mycorrhizal products were effective on physiological plant content and plant growth more than non-treated plants.

Glomus fasciculatum Fungi as a Bio-convertor and Bio-activator of Inorganic and Organic P in Dual Symbiosis.

Dual symbiosis played an effective role in drought condition and temperature. Furthermore, performed services in absorption of water and solubilization of chief nutrients specially phosphorus for growth of plants. Phosphorous is essential for plant growth in any climatic condition because of central constituent of ATP providing chemical energy for all metabolic reactions of plants. The goal of this work was to monitor the growth of plant under three climatic conditions in comparison to control plant under Glomus fasciculatum inoculation related with adequate supply of phosphorous. Results demonstrated that Glomus fasciculatum (VAM) activates the solubilization of P into the anionic form H2PO4(-) which is highly consumable form by the plants. Minerals including P in soil most regularly solubilized for fixing in plants and continuously changed to highly soluble forms by reaction with inorganic or organic constituents of the soil which are activated in the presence of fungi for continuous availability. Experimental facts and nonstop growth of plants recommended that VAM fungi act as a bio-convertor and bio-activator of soil nutrients, especially of P and their hyphal interaction absorbs soil nutrients and activates insoluble P to soluble one for plant development. Continuous growth of 18 months old Conocarpus erectus L plant in dual symbiosis supports the proposed idea that phosphorus cycle exists during VAM inoculations, where soil reaction altered in presence of spores that help to solubilize the P which strengthens the plant, activates photo-biological activity and demonstrates the new function of VAM as a recycler for continues growth.

The Effective Role of Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in Sinking CO<sub>2</sub> from Atmosphere of Mega Cities

An effort was made after detailed literature survey and few experiments, conducted at Laboratory conditions about the VAM fungus inoculated plants; they have large surface area and more photosynthetic rate, can assimilate more CO2, even can grow in drought condition including water deficiency and high temperature. For this purpose, a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted in which soil manifested with fungi was used and Conocarpus erectus L (common on green belt of Karachi Streets) was selected for testing the fungal engineering. Results demonstrated a well-developed strong roots system and branching pattern of shoots rather than larger surface area of leaves of the fungal engineered plant when compared with non-treated ones. The long root system indicates the stability of plant and water transport system in high temperature and low water conditions. While increased branching pattern of areal part may be directly related to an increase in net photosynthetic rates or increase CO2 absorption in the fungal inoculated plants. This investigation showed an interesting use of VAM services for technology development of root organ culture development in areas of low water availability and high temperature condition with elevated concentration of CO2. A mechanism of absorption of CO2 related with the alteration in plant bio-physical metabolism is discussed in relation with phosphorus uptake under VAM inoculation.