VAM infection and VAMF spores in Withania somnifera (L.) dunal and Withania coagulans Dun. (Stocks.) at fruiting stage

The present paper deals with vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal infection in roots and spores in the rhizospheric soils of Withania somnifera and Withania coagulans at fruiting stage. Soil and root samples were taken in May of 2010 from university of Peshawar and Bhadar baba at flowering and fruiting stage. Samples were used for direct spore counts, root colonization assessment to evaluate mycorrhizal colonization. Although Withania somnifera and Withania coagulans roots showed considerable arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization, ranging from 94% to 98%. Colonization rates were most influenced by available soil P, correlated positively with percentage of sand and soil pH, but correlated negatively with soil clay content. Field spore numbers varied from 200 to 263/50gm of soil. Fungal species identified Glomus, Sclerocysts and Acaulospora sp. were the most common species. To investigate the (V) AMF spore population in the rhizospheric soils of above mentioned plants.