Harnessing the Richness of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Root Colonization in Some Medicinal Plants from the Melghat Region, Amravati (M.S.)
M. M. Malviya and Maggirwar R. C.
Mycorrhizal Bio-technology Lab, P.G. Department of Botany, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, Maharashtra,
monikamalviya9496@gmail.com and dr.krekha@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Asia, endowed with a vast array of medicinal plant species, serves as a leading global supplier of these valuable resources. India, recognized as one of the most bio diverse countries in Asia. It is a home to a remarkable diversity of ecosystems and medicinal plant species. In India, Melghat nestled in the Satpuda hill ranges of Central India stands out as a region of immense ecological wealth. Its pristine, forests, coupled with a unique confluence of ecosystems, render it a crucial reservoir of medicinal undisturbed plants. As global agricultural practices shift towards sustainability, there is a growing focus on reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In this context, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) have emerged as pivotal components in this transition. These symbiotic fungi play an instrumental role in enhancing plant growth and soil fertility by improving nutrient uptake, supporting overall plant development.
Consequently, the objective of this research was to investigate the extent of root colonization by AMF in selected medicinal plant species like Caesalpinia bonduc(L.) Roxb., Clerodendron serratum(L.) Moon.and Physalis communisL.from the Melghat region. The grid line intersect method was employed to quantify root colonization. Hyphae, vesicles and Arbuscules were observed and their frequency was recorded. It was found that out of these three plant species the Clerodendron serratum(L.) was highly colonized by AMF. The findings of this study pave the way for several potential avenues of further research and application. Firstly, the identification and mass propagation of native AMF species can be expanded to assess their effects on a wider range of medicinal plants, including rare or endangered species. Exploring the interactions between AMF and different plant species will provide deeper insights into their specificity, efficacy, and potential for enhancing the cultivation of a diverse array of medicinal plants.
Keywords: Melghat Region, Medicinal Plants, AMF, Root Colonization.
DOI link – https://doi.org/10.69758/GIMRJ/2504I5VXIIIP0071
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