Root colonization and spore population of AM fungi in cultivated crops

Microorganisms have been extensively used in supplementing the nutrient demand of the crop, thereby reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. Rhizospheric microorganisms maintain a close relationship with plants and help stimulate plant growth. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are ubiquitous and improve mineral nutrient uptake and enhance abiotic stress tolerance. Glomus fasciculatum, G. macrocarpum, G. etunicatum, G. mosseae, G. constrictum were recovered from the roots of almost all the plants in present study. G. fasciculatum was the dominant one. The percent colonization occurred to the maximum extent with tomato crop at all the sites. Spore population of AM fungi was found highest in case of tomato and lowest for okra plants.