Seasonal Variation of Mycorrhizal Association (Root Colonization and Spore Density) in Selected Industrial Sites in Kota District of Rajasthan, India

This paper aims to assess the impact of seasonal variation on mycorrhizal association in selected industrial wastelands in the Kota district of Rajasthan. In the study mycorrhizal association was quantified in terms of percentage root colonization and spore density in three different seasons. The study was conducted during 2019-2021 and the data was collected for 3 seasons; summer (March-June), Rainy (July–October), and winter (November-February) to study the response to variable climatic factors to the root colonization and spore density of mycorrhiza. To determine the significance of variations in AMF spore density and percentage root colonization during different seasons, one-way ANOVA was performed. Results showed that in all the sites maximum mean spore density was observed in the summer (March-June) season but in the case of percentage root colonization, the value was found maximum in the humid season (July-October) in the control site whereas, in the three experimental sites, the maximum root colonization was observed in summer season (march-June). Hence, it may be concluded that hot climatic condition is favourable for mycorrhizal spore formation and root colonization was also favoured by hot climate.

Diversity and abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomeromycota) associated with Ilex paraguarensis in Northeastern Argentina / Diversidad y abundancia de hongos micorrízicos arbusculares (Glomeromycota) asociados con Ilex paraguarensis en el noreste de Argentina

Introduction: The expansion and intensification of agriculture causes profound changes at a global scale, which generates a strong impact on crop productivity and consequently, a decrease in the biodiversity associated. Ilex paraguariensis, known as yerba mate, is a native species from South America and it has been introduced in the world market (e.g. Middle East, Europe, and United States) due to its multiple nutritional benefits and antioxidant properties. The association of plants of I. paraguarensis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), especially under field conditions, has been scarcely reported so far. Objective: The aim of this work was to assess the species composition, richness, spore density and diversity of Glomeromycota communities of yerba mate under different crop and natural conditions, seasonally over a 2-year period. Methods: Soil samples were extracted in winter and summer from five productive sites (situations 1-5), with contrasting crop conditions with regard to historical management, as a reference situation (situation 6). Spores were identified following morphological criteria. Results: Acaulosporaceae and Glomeraceae presented the highest spore densities in all sampling sites/ seasons/years. The lowest spore density and diversity index was recorded in 2014, when rainfall was higher than in 2013. Discussion: We reported Acaulospora capsicula detected by morphological analysis, for the first time in South America. Differences between years could be attributed to rainfall. This study contributes to the knowledge of the dynamics and factors that influence the structure of AMF communities over time. This information would be valuable to generate conservation strategies for this group of microorganisms, which are key to the sustainable development of yerba mate cultivation systems.

Introducción: La expansión e intensificación de la agricultura provoca profundos cambios a escala mundial, lo que genera un fuerte impacto en la productividad de los cultivos y, en consecuencia, una disminución de la biodiversidad asociada. Ilex paraguariensis, conocida como yerba mate, es una especie nativa de América del Sur y se ha introducido en el mercado mundial (por ejemplo, Medio Oriente, Europa y Estados Unidos) debido a sus múltiples beneficios nutricionales y propiedades antioxidantes. La asociación de plantas de I. paraguarensis con hongos arbusculares (AMF), especialmente en condiciones de campo, ha sido escasamente documentada. Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar estacionalmente durante un período de 2 años: la composición de especies, la riqueza, la densidad de esporas y la diversidad de las comunidades Glomeromycota de yerba mate en diferentes cultivos y condiciones naturales. Métodos: Se extrajeron muestras de suelo en invierno y verano de cinco sitios productivos con condiciones de cultivo (situaciones 1-5), en contraste conal manejo histórico como situación de referencia (situación 6). Las esporas se identificaron siguiendo criterios morfológicos. Resultados: Acaulosporaceae y Glomeraceae presentaron las mayores densidades de esporas en todos los sitios de muestreo / estaciones / años. El índice más bajo de densidad y diversidad de esporas se registró en 2014, cuando las precipitaciones fueron más altas que en 2013. Discusión: Se registra por primera vez para América del Sur a Acaulospora capsicula identificada por caracteres morfológicos. Las diferencias entre años podrían atribuirse a las precipitaciones. Este estudio contribuye al conocimiento de la dinámica y los factores que influyen en la estructura de las comunidades AMF a lo largo del tiempo. Esta información sería valiosa para generar estrategias de conservación para este grupo de microorganismos, que son clave para el desarrollo sostenible de los sistemas de cultivo de yerba mate.

Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in irrigated and non-irrigated fields of southern Karnataka, India.

The two different agro-ecosystems were selected to study the spore density, species abundance, and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in irrigated (Mandya district) and non-irrigated (Hassan district) agricultural fields in southern Karnataka region, India. A total of 22 AMF species were recorded during the study. Out of which 13 sp. were of Glomus, 4 sp. of Acaulospora, 1 sp. of Cetraspora, 1 sp. of Dentiscutata and 3 sp. of Gigaspora. The difference in species richness of AMF species in irrigated fields ranged from 5-12 sp. as compared to non-irrigated fields (5-11 sp.) and the difference may be attributed to the nutritional status of the soil. We also assumed that lower AMF colonization and abundance would be affected by water stress. Highest spore number and percent colonization of AM fungi were recorded in irrigated sites, showing 356-748 spore density and 70-92 % colonization. Whereas, in non-irrigated sites, 174-341 spore density and 40-72 % colonization was recorded. Different agro-climatic conditions like irrigation, soil pH, soil organic carbon, phosphorous correlated with the abundance and colonization of AM fungi.