Journal of Environmental Biology

Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in irrigated and 

non-irrigated fields of southern Karnataka, India

 

C.P. Sunil Kumar and Rajkumar H. Garampalli*

Department of Studies in Botany, University of Mysore, Mysore - 570 006, India

*Corresponding Author email : rajkumarhg@yahoo.co.in 

 

 

 

 Publication Data

Paper received:

03 August 2011

 

Revised received:

08 May 2012

 

Accepted:

26 July 2012

 

Abstract

The two different agro-ecosystems were selected to study the spore density, species abundance, and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in irrigated (Mandya district) and non-irrigated (Hassan district) agricultural fields in southern Karnataka region, India. A total of 22 AMF species were recorded during the study. Out of which 13 sp. were of Glomus, 4 sp. of Acaulospora, 1 sp. of Cetraspora, 1 sp. of Dentiscutata and 3 sp. of Gigaspora. The difference in species richness of AMF species in irrigated fields ranged from 5-12 sp. as compared to non-irrigated fields (5-11 sp.) and the difference may be attributed to the nutritional status of the soil. We also assumed that lower AMF colonization and abundance would be affected by water stress. Highest spore number and percent colonization of AM fungi were recorded in irrigated sites, showing 356-748 spore density and 70-92 % colonization. Whereas, in non-irrigated sites, 174-341 spore density and 40-72 % colonization was recorded. Different agro-climatic conditions like irrigation, soil pH, soil organic carbon, phosphorous correlated with the abundance and colonization of AM fungi.

 

 

Key words

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Spore density, Diversity

 

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