INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI AND SHADE ON GROWTH OF SANDAL (<em>SANTALUM</em> <em>ALBUM</em>) SEEDLINGS

Abstract

Sandal (Santalum album) is a precious tree valued for its fragrant heartwood known as East Indian sandalwood. Establishment of sandal seedlings in natural condition and when planted is difficult as the seedlings are exposed to varying shade levels. Hence, we studied the response of sandal seedlings to inoculation with cultures of three selected species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), subjected to four shade levels and two host species. The results showed an increase in seedling height, number of leaves, leaf area and shoot weight of sandal seedlings due to AMF inoculation, especially in those inoculated with Glomus mosseae. During initial phases of seedling growth, high shade (75%) was essential but in later stages 50% shade was better. Interactions between 50% shade and mycorrhizae were the best especially for seedlings inoculated with G. mosseae (average root colonisation 68%). Relative water content of inoculated seedlings grown under 50% shade was the best (89.5%). Sandal–AMF association had improved the growth of sandal seedlings.