Population dynamics of microflora in the rhizosphere of Macrophomina phaseolina resistant and susceptible varieties of groundnut

Twenty four fungi, two bacteria and one actinomycete were assayed for initially infested and from rhizosphere soils of Macrophomina phaseolina resistant (TG-37-A) and susceptible (RSB-87) varieties of groundnut at seedling, flowering and near harvest stages. The extent of changes in population of micro-organisms in rhizosphere and in soil was determined by the enumeration of microflora. The total population of microorganisms was maximum at near harvest in the rhizosphere of both varieties. Species present in initially infested and in rhizosphere soil of both varieties varied in their population per g soil, frequency (%) and abundance (%).