Ectomycorrhizal and plant interaction on bioremediation of degraded land

Abstract

Extracellular enzymes degrade complex organic compounds into soluble substances and make them available for the plants. These are important for nutrient cycling in soil and ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) are important source for these enzymes. In the present study, Dipterocarpus retusus seedlings native to Nagaland and Eastern Himalaya were inoculated with Scleroderma citrinum and Russula rosea ectomycorrhizal fungi along with un-inoculated seedlings. Soil enzymes like urease and dehydrogenase and nitrogen content were analyzed in rhizosphere region of seedlings. S. citrinum inoculated seedlings produced higher urease and dehydrogenase activity in rhizospheric soil and root surfaces and produced higher nitrogen content. Higher amount of carbohydrate content was observed in S. citrinum inoculated seedlings. Significant relation was found between ectomycorrhizal colonization and carbohydrate content. S. citrinum fungus was found to be more effective symbiont with D. retusus seedlings during nursery practices for nutrient acquisition in waste land soil.