Abstract

Suitable potting mixture has been developed for use in root trainers which ensures adequate mycorrhization and abundant sporulation of VAM fungi in the rhizosphere. Never before such high number of spores per 100 g of soil by volume has been reported. Out of seven tree species namely Dalbergia sissoo, Dendrocalamus strictus, Bauhinia purpurea, Chukrasia velutina, Taxodium mucronatum, Entolobium timbouva, and Tectona grandis and one medicinal plant, Pogostemon heyneanus examined for mycorrhization, maximum infection on roots was recorded in Dendrocalamus strictus followed by Tectona grandis. In general spore population in the rhizosphere was very high except Taxodium mucronatum and T. grandis. Maximum number of spores in the rhizosphere was recorded in Bauhinia purpurea which varied from 3565 to 9047 with an average of 6761 per 100 g of soil in the root trainer. It is because of such high number of spores of 3-5 Glomus spp. and Acaulospora scrobiulata by B. purpurea and profuse root development and high level of VAM infection in D. stricus, the two plants are recommended to be raised for establishment of mycorrhiza banks for the purpose of supply or starter cultures of VAM fungi and use of VAM inoculum for fortification of containerised seedlings in forest nurseries. No correlation could be drawn between percentage of root infection and spore population of VAM fungi in the rhizosphere. Incorporation of an eco-friendly pesticidal material in the potting mixuture is of interest.

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