Studies on viable inoculum production in selected Glomeraceae species

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are ubiquitous in natural ecosystems and form intimate symbiotic associations with the majority of terrestrial plant roots. It is well reported that AM fungi can promote the uptake of plant nutrients (especially P), alleviate drought stress, improve soil structure and protect plants against root pathogens. Inoculum production in AM fungi using soil as substrate is a natural and inexpensive method for the mass production of AM inocula. The objective of the present study was to document the suitability of appropriate substrates and hosts for mass production. Two experiments were performed. In the first experiment four AM species i.e. Rhizophagus intraradices, Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus clarus and Claroideoglomus etunicatum were separately used to inoculate the host Plectranthus scutellarioides (L) R. Br. (coleus) with sand, soil, or both sand: soil (1:1) as substrates. The second experiment differed from the first only in host plant, where Zea mays L. and Eleusine coracana Gaertn. were used. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in spore density for the various substrates. Sporulation in all the AM fungal isolates was greatest when sand alone was used and AM colonization was greatest in Z. mays.