Abstract

A quantitative and qualitative assessment of mycorrhiza development was made in uninoculated seedling stock of Pinus roxburghii raised from seeds of twenty provenances. Significant differences were observed in mycorrhiza formation by indigenous mycorrhizal fungi representing seven distinct groups of provenances. Kuthnoor, Dharashu, Deha and Dibkhan provenances form a separate group which shows significantly higher values for short root formation, mycorrhizal roots and per cent mycorrhizal roots per plant in relation to group of Dharmshala, Bhader Kali, Mashobra, Neri Nissoo and Chabal Ki Dhar provenances which show significantly lower values for all the three parameters. Six forms of mycorrhizae were observed out of which one, light to dark brown, smooth form was predominant in association with thirteen provenances followed by smooth, brown, loose hyphal and yellow to sepia in groups of seven, six and five provenances, whereas others were restricted to one and two provenances.

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