Authors : NIKHAT NAQVI
Page Nos : 46-51
Description :
Microbes are important components of Earths biota and contribute to the maintenance of natural ecosystems function. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi(AMF)are ubiquitous in natural ecosystems and form mutualistic association with majority of terrestrial plant species and forest trees. AMF are receiving worldwide attention because they play crucial role in plant productivity and plant community ecology. Lot of research has proven that AMF have beneficial effects on soil and plant health and play a pivotal role in restoration and re-establishment of degraded ecosystem. So there is a need to evaluate, quantify, identify and multiply the indigenous AMF population. However, before we can effectively utilize the fungi in afforestation programs we need to understand their ecology and distribution in naturally occurring plants of the area. Existing literature shows that little attention has been given to improve forest tree seedlings by application of AM fungi in Nagpur district, Maharashtra, India. A qualitative and quantitative survey of species distribution of AM fungi and mycorrhizal colonization was carried out in forest reserve of Nagpur district. Results indicate that forests of Nagpur contained high AM fungal diversity. The percent root colonization also showed variation depending upon the plant species and ecological conditions .Based on above research findings , attempt is being made for subsequent indigenous inoculum production for further utilization of mycorrhizal technology in afforestation programs and reclamation of wastelands, polluted soils, degraded sites in Nagpur district.
