Abstract:
Andrographis paniculata Nees (Acanthaceae), an annual erect herb, is known for its broad range of pharmacological properties. This, study reports the effect of different arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal inocula on plant growth and percent concentration of andrographolide. The study revealed a significant increase in growth in all the treatments and unsterilised soil (control) compared with sterilised soil (control). Plants grown in unsterilised soil (control) and inoculated with Gigaspora albida enhanced leaf number, shoot and total plant dry weights significantly compared with other treatments and sterilised control. Andrographis paniculata revealed high mycorrhizal efficiency when grown in unsterilised control and Gi. albida. Increased concentration of andrographolide with Gi. albida inoculum confirms host preference in AM symbiosis and also identifies it as an efficient AM fungal inocula for commercial cultivation of A. paniculata.
