SEASONAL VARIATION IN VAM FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH TWO VARIETIES OF LITCHI, LITCHI CHINENSIS (GAERTN.) SONN. PLANTS OF BIHAR

摘要

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form a mutualistic symbiosis with majority of the higher plants and having a link between soil and host plants. AM symbiosis occurs in almost all habitats, climates and ecosystem. About 90% of the world's plant associated with the AM fungi and these fungi are known to promote phosphorus uptake and protect plants against various types of stress. Litchi chinensis (Gaertn.)Sonn is economically viable, ecologically beneficial for India and it is mycorrhizal dependent. The AMF density was varied with the season, sites and varieties. Basically variation in the season affecting the population of AMF either increases or decreases. AMF population was recorded higher in summer and lower in the winter season in litchi orchards of Bihar.