Occurrence and Distribution of Mycorrhiza in Industrial Areas of Kota, Rajasthan, India

Arbascular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are ecologically important for most vascular plants because they benefit plant growth and survival. The present study was conducted with an objective to comparative assessment of AMF diversity in disturbed and undisturbed soil in Kota, Rajasthan, and their role in ecological restoration of industrial waste disposal sites and degraded land. Rhizosphere soil samples from four different sites; one natural soil (undisturbed soil) and three industrial waste disposal sites (disturbed sites) were collected, AMF were identified, and spore density was calculated. Decrease in overall spore density in industrial waste disposal sites as compared to the undisturbed site shows that degraded soil properties have a negative impact on the mycorrhizal association, whereas an increase in spore density of some mycorrhiza species in disturbed sites indicates the possibilities of selection of host plant for revegetation in restoration efforts. The native leguminous plant with high to very high level of VAM colonization can be used in the restoration of degraded lands.