Diversity of Arbuscular mycorrhizae in landslide areas of Garhwal Region, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Hill slopes in Uttarakhand Himalaya are observed for their largescale slope destabilization. Landslides are among hydro-geological hazard in the fragile geology of the state which cause huge losses in terms of biodiversity, infrastructure, time and human life. This paper highlights presence and diversity of mycorrhizal species in landslides prone areas in locality of selected highways in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Eight (08) AM fungi, viz., G. macrocarpum, G. fasciculatum, F. coronatum, A. laevis, A. foveata, A. tuberculata, A. sporocarpia and A. myriocarpa were found in 20 large landslide areas. Acaulosporaceae was found dominant family followed by Glomeraceae. Spore density of G. macrocarpum was the highest with 13 spores/100 g soil. The percentage of importance value varied from 7.16 to 21.59. Results of present paper may endorse the use of AM fungi in restoration the unstable soil profiles.