Association and Activity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizae of Teak ( Tectona grandis ) in Central India

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi of Tectona grandis isolated from 20 different sites, including nursery, plantation and natural forests their root colonization and effect of inoculation of AM fungi on growth of teak seedlings were studied. The per cent root colonization ranges between 25-95 at different sites. Genetically superior (plus trees) showed heavy root colonization as compared to other normal trees. Sixteen different AM fungi were isolated and identified belonging to 5 genera of Glom ales namely Acaulospora, Gigaspora, Glomus, Scutellospora and Sclerocystis. Among these Glomus etunicatum and Acaulospora scrobiculata were found most widely distributed species followed by Glomus indraradices and G. mosseae while G. fasciculatum , was found least frequent. Inoculation of teak seedling with G. fasciculatum and mix AM fungi separately showed better height growth, biomass and percent root infection in nursery compare to uninoculated (control) seedlings. The mix AM inoculum is found more effective to boost the growth and biomass.