Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi Associated with Casuarina equisetifolia

摘要

Some fungi solubilize insoluble phosphorus and help in plant growth promotion. Rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils supporting Casuarina equisetifolia Forst. plantations located in seashore area of Vishakapatnam and inland areas of Anakapally in Andhra Pradesh were investigated for mycoflora, soil factors and phosphate solubilizing fungi. Fungal numbers were more in the rhizosphere soils than the non-rhizosphere soils. In rhizosphere soils, they were more in inland soil samples than seashore soil samples. In all, 29 fungal species were recorded in various soils. Aspergilhis was the predominant genus represented by 11 species. Fungi were screened for their phosphate solubilization ability. Three sources of inorganic phosphate viz., Ca_3(PO_4)2, AlPO_4, and rock phosphate were screened. Trichoderma viride and Penicillium lilacinum were found to be better phosphate solubilizers. Maximum P solubilization (94%) was recorded by T. viride with Ca_3(PO_4)_2. Pot experiments were conducted to evaluate thepotential of T. viride and P. lilac inum with and without Ca_3(PO_4)_2 amendment. The role of T. viride and P. lilacinum as phosphate solubilizers was evident by enhanced plant growth and increase in weight of 3-months old plants.