Association of AM fungi in the rhizosphere of Thuja orientalis (L)

Abstract

Thuja orientalis (L) is used as an ornamental plant as well as medicinal plant in India from prehistoric times and instances were found in various manuscripts revealing its medicinal property against abdominal pain, hook worms, arthritis etc. AMF associated with rhizosphere of Thuja were extensively studied in relation to their population in soil, root-length colonization, histopathological study as well as their diversification. Predominant existence of various species of Glomus, Gigaspora were determined and their spore surface texture was examined using stereo microscope, besides, species of Acaulospora, Scutellospora etc. were also documented. Histopathological studies of host roots showed various types of hyphal network and arbuscules, AMF were tried to identify up to species level with the help of standard keys. The result indicated that the various spp. of AMF have established their colonization in host roots and the host plant have a significant role in root tissue colonization.