Diversity of AMF, characterization of soil, spore population in soil and root colonization associated with some commonly cultivated crops at Bhaderwah, Doda District, Jammu and Kashmir, India

An extensive survey was conducted to identify common arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi present in rhizosphere of some commonly cultivated crops such as Maize, Tomato, Pea, Bean, Chilli, Cauliflower and Brinjal from four different sites viz., Bhaderwah (A), Kotli (B), Bhalla (C) and Malni (D) from Bhaderwah of Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir. A total of nearly 6 AM fungal species were recorded, which included of Glomus Jasciculatum, G. mosseae, G. etunicatum, G. constrictum, G. macrocarpum and Gigaspora gigantea. The frequency of occurrence was recorded in order of Glomus Jasciculatum > G. mosseae > G. etunicatum > G. constrictum > G. macrocarpum > Gigaspora gigantean. Most of the plants are found to be associated with AM fungi in natural ecosystem in this region and showed variation in the extent of infection from plant variety soil nature and climatic surroundings.