Incidence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Ecologically Restored Mined Area of Doon Valley

Abstract

The paper reports the occurrence of AM fungi in ecologically restored phosphate mined area at Maldevta in Doon Valley (Uttaranchal). 11 host species represented by 4 tree species, 4 shrubs and 3 grasses were screened for association of AM fungi and roots were assessed for colonization. 12 species of Glomus, 2 species of Gigaspora, 1 species of Acaulospora, 1 species of Scutellospora and 2 species of Sclerocystis were isolated and identified. Most samples had 3-5 different AM species. The spore density varied from 16-165 spores/l00 g of soil. Glomus macrocarpum, G. caladonium, G. constrictum, G. mosseae and G. reticulatum were common among which G. macrocarpum was dominant. Root colonization varies 15 to 72 per cent.