Studies on the Effect of Interactions of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (Glomus mosseae) and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizomicroorganisms (Aspergillus awamori and Trichoderma harzianum) on Growth and Development of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don

Catharanthus roseus is an important medicinal plant of family Apocyanaceae. Plant is important source of antitumorous alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine. In the current study interactions of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Glomus mosseae (GM) with Plant growth promoting Rhizomicroorganisms (PGPR), Aspergillus awamori and Trichoderma harzianum were studied on Catharanthus roseus plants for 60 days interactions under open pot conditions. One month old plant seedlings were inoculated with Glomus mosseae and PGPR species and physiological growth parameters were recorded after harvesting. Biochemical parameters pertaining to chlorophyll and carotenoid pigment analysis were done. Aspergillus awamori with Glomus mosseae proved to be better treatment than Trichoderma harzianum with 54 % more number of leaves and 87.49 % more fresh weight than Glomus mosseae and Trichoderma harzianum. Chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments were also found higher in Aspergillus awamori treatment. Aspergillus awamori with Glomus mosseae can be used as an ecofriendly measure for mass multiplication of Catharanthus roseus plants under open pot conditions by the nurserymen. In future further studies can be performed with different inoculation treatments of Plant growth promoting Rhizomicroorganisms and Glomus species.