Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi from coastal sand dune vegetation of Goa

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) may be used for rebuilding the vegetation of coastal region under threat. Prior to exploiting the reclaiming potential of these organisms, it is necessary to examine their occurrence and distribution in sand dunes. The occurrence and the number of AM propagules in the rhizospheric soils of six selected saline host plant species was worked out. Arbuscular mycorrhizal propagules were observed in rhizospheric soils of all the selected host plant species. Average spore count was 327.5 spores/100 g rhizospheric soil. Fifteen species of AM fungi were identified from the soil samples. Species of Glomus dominated the rhizospheric soils of the sand dune ecosystem.