AMF status of naturally growing Opuntia humifusa

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) status of Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf. a desert plant, commonly growing throughout the Amravati region of Maharashtra, India was investigated. The rhizospheric soil and feeder root samples from various locations were collected to know the percent colonization, AMF and DSE (Dark septate endophyte) structures, spore densities and distribution of AM fungal species. All the collected plants were greatly colonized by AM fungi and dark septate endophytes. The percent colonization was ranged in between 82 to 91. Colonized roots were associated with vesicles, arum and paris type arbuscules, H-shaped hyphae, intraradical spores, hyphal coils, dark septate hyphae, grouped and linearly arranged microsclerotia. AMF spore count were 140-212 spores per 100g of soil and the highest spore densities were recorded from the plants growing in the cultivated fields. The extracted spores were morphologically identified and all the 18 species found belonging to only two genera as Acaulospora and Glomus. Glomus was recorded as the most dominant genus. The study reported was aimed to assess the influence of AMF on desert succulent plant growing everywhere in non desert region of Vidarbha.