The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) status and root phosphatase activities were studied in four vegetative Carica papaya L. varieties viz., CO-1, CO-2, Honey Dew and Washington. Standard techniques were used to ascertain information on spore density and species diversity of AM fungi. Although in case of estimation of root colonization and root phosphatase activities, the existing methods were slightly modified. Root colonization and spore density of AM fungi along with root phosphatase (acid and alkaline) activities varied significantly in four papaya varieties. The present study recorded higher acid root phosphatase activity when compared with alkaline root phosphatase activity under P-deficient, acidic soil conditions. The present study revealed that the root colonization of AM fungi influenced acid root phosphatase activity positively and significantly under P-deficient, acidic soil conditions. A total of 11 species of AM fungi belonging to five genera viz., Acaulospora, Dentiscutata, Gigaspora, Glomus and Racocetra were recovered from the rhizosphere of four papaya varieties.

Studies were carried out on spatio-temporal variations of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi associated with Carica papaya L. growing in two different geographic localities in Goa, India -Western Ghats and coastal area, differing in soil characteristics and plantation status. The study recorded considerable variation in root colonization, spore density and distribution of AM fungi in the selected sites. The mean total root colonization was at a maximum in the month of July, while spore density was highest in April. The study recorded a total 33 species of AM fungi. Western Ghats recorded a relatively higher diversity of AM fungi compared to coastal area. Species richness of AM fungi was at a maximum in April and coincided with maximum mean spore density. Edaphic as well as climatic factors influenced the AM fungal parameters. The study recorded the existence of seasonality in AM fungi.

Commonly occurring plant species on metal-contaminated soils and noncontaminated soils adjoining Kanpur Tanneries, Uttar Pradesh, India were surveyed for arbuscular mycorrhizal association. In the present study, pH, electric conductivity (E.C.), organic carbon, macronutrients (available phosphorus, available potassium), micronutrients (Cu and Zn), and toxic metals (Cr, Cd, Pb) were higher in metal-contaminated site compared to noncontaminated site. These factors were also significantly different between metal-contaminated and noncontaminated soils. High E.C. along with toxic concentrations of metals like Cr, Cd, and Pb may have acted as selection pressure for vegetation cover, making the metal-contaminated site hostile for cultivation purpose. The study recorded Arum type of arbuscular mycorrhiza. The highest mean total root colonization levels in metal-contaminated and noncontaminated soils were 100% (Parthenium sp.) and 34.16% (Parthenium sp.), respectively. Maximum mean spore density in metal-contaminated and noncontaminated soils was 19 spores rhizosphere soil −1 (Parthenium sp.) and nine spores rhizosphere soil −1 (Desmostachya bipinnata and Cynodon sp.), respectively. Studies revealed that for a particular plant species, the root colonization levels and spore density (except Cynodon sp.) were higher in contaminated soil compared to noncontaminated soils. A total of six species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi belonging to two genera viz., Glomus and Scutellospora were recovered during the study. Species richness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was maximum in the noncontaminated site compared to the metalcontaminated site. This result suggests that continuous exposure of plants and associated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to heavy metals can result in tolerant species which can be used for phytoremediation.

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The responses of Ri-TDNA

Studies were carried out on the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal association in four potential timber yielding tree species from four forest areas of the Western Ghat region of Goa, India. The edaphic factors selected for the study varied within the four study sites. Significant positive and negative correlations were exhibited between spore density and root colonization of AM fungi at two sites, Collem and Dharbandoda. The study recorded the presence of 21 AM fungal species belonging to three genera-viz., Acaulospora, Gigaspora, and Glomus. The present study suggests that there is a site specific variation in root colonization (except at Mollem) and spore density as well as edapho-specific variation in association, composition, and distribution of AM fungi associated with potential timber yielding trees from four forest areas in the Western Ghat region of Goa. Further investigations of AM fungal dynamics if carried out can help elucidate the ecological significance of AM fungal associations in the Western Ghat region of Goa. To add, learning more about the ecology and intricacies of the AM association is crucial for attaining a good understanding of its life cycle and functions in edapho-climatic conditions of the Western Ghat region of Goa to further use it in the management of reforestation practices.

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