Population structure and functional diversity of mycorrhizal fungi and Pseudomonas fluorescence in different growth forms of Dendrocalamus strictus

Abstract

Bamboo, called as the poor man’s timber, is one of the fastest growing giant grass species. Having shallow root system and fast growth rate, the dependability of the plant on the rhizospheric microbial web cannot be denied. The study was conducted to explore the population and seasonal variations of indigenous mycorrhizal fungi as well as the functional diversity of plant growth promoting bacteria, especially fluorescent pseudomonas from the different growth forms of Dendrocalamus strictus, the most commonly present bamboo species in Indian sub-continent. In a past study, it was established that the growth forms of D. strictus which developed over time in their respective locations, were genetically varied. The present research further explores the variations in their respective rhizospheric microbes and looks for the role of plant selection phenomenon. Considerable variation in mycorrhizal structures and in the functional diversity of Pseudomonas fluorescence was registered. Nutrient deficient conditions, especially low soil phosphorous (P), maybe created a niche or condition that could promoted the occurrence of high numbers of P solubilizers which, in turn, boosted the mycorrhizal as well as bamboo growth.