Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal association with some common weeds of mulberry garden

Abstract

Eight commonly available weeds in Mulberry gardens of Doon Valley were studied to assess the VAM status. Root infection percentage and spore numbers were worked out. Cyperus rotundus showed highest (45.8%) root infection. Lowest root infection (24.0 %) was found in case of Digitaria sp. On the other hand Digitaria sp. harboured the highest number of spores in its rhizosphere (247 per 50 g of soil) and Alysicarpus vaginalis lowest spores (40 per 50 g of soil). Glomus was the fungus associated with all the plants studied. The mycelia of fungus were seen in all the weeds and vesicles were available in Ageratum conyzoides, Commelina paludosa, Bauhinia retusa, Euphorbia hirta, and Alysicarpus vaginalis. The arbuscles however were found in Ageratum conyzoides, Cyperus rotundus, and Euphorbia hirta only. The species harbouring VAM spores in their rhizosphere in descending order were as Digitaria sp. > Euphorbia hirta >Cyperus rotundus > Bauhinia retusa. These four species can be used as trap plants for multiplication and maintenance of VAM for experimental purposes and multiplication of VAM spores. These plants can easily be propagated as they are found abundantly in this area.