Mycorrhizal population of Indian mustard at different location of district Baharaich, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.)Czern & Coss.] to evaluate the population dynamics of VA mycorrhizae. Root colonization in this crop varied from 27.53% to 43.53% at different places of district Baharaich of Uttar Pradesh, while spore population ranged between 100 to 380 per 100 g soil in different samples. Maximum colonization and spore population were observed in block Shivpur followed by Mihinpurwa and Huzurpur but these were at par. Sixteen species of VAM fungi belonging to 4 different genera were identified. Among these Glomus mosseae and Glomus fasciculatum were found most dominating and distributed in 10 blocks followed by Acaulospora longula and Sclerocystis rubiformis which were distributed only in 7 blocks of the district. VAM fungi  Acaulospora elegans and Acaulospora sporocarpa were found only in block Nanpara. Colonization per cent has significant and positive correlation with spore density. Physico-chemical properties of the soil specially pH, organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium influence the population dynamics and colonization of VA mycorrhiza in mustard crops.