Natural population dynamics and morphological characters of mycorrhizal fungi in rhizosphere of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)

Soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from the different locations of Baharaich district of Uttar Pradesh to evaluate the population dynamics of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza. Root colonization ranged between 61 to 68%, whereas spore population varied from 72 to 87 per 25 g soil in wheat of dif ferent locations. Total 19 species of V AM fungi belonging to 3 genera viz., Glomus, Acaulospora and Sclerocystis were identified. Among these species Glomus mosseae was found most dominant and widely distributed followed by Glomus fasciculatum, Sclerocyctis rubiformis, Glomus microcarpum, Acaulospora longula, Sclerocystis clavispora, Sclerocystis sinuosa, respectively. Physico-chemical properties of the soil especially pH, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium influence the population dynamics and colonization of V A mycorrhiza in wheat crops.