OCCURRENCE OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN TREE SPECIES FROM WESTERN GHATS OF GOA, INDIA

Abstract

We surveyed the prevalence of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in Mollem forest area of Western Ghats of Goa. A total of 25 tree species belonging to 18 families was screened. AM colonisation in the tree species varied with family and host genera. The highest mean root colonisation (100%) was recorded in Macaranga peltata, Xylia xylocarpa, Zanthoxylum rhetsa and Randia ruglosa. Maximum mean spore density of 745 spores 100 g^-1 rhizosphere soil was recorded in Leea indica. A total of 18 AM fungi belonging to five genera, namely, Acaulospora, Gigaspora, Glomus, Sclerocystis and Scutellospora was found to be associated with the tree species studied.