Distribution and Diversity of AM Fungi in Selected Tree Species Growing in Semi-arid Forest of Gujarat, India

The diversity and community structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi from four forests (Kapadvanj, Satlasana, Vijaynagar, and Danta) belonging to the semi-arid region of Gujarat, India were investigated.59 species of AM fungi belonging to six genera Acaulospora (11), Entrophospora (1), Gigaspora (5), Glomus (35), Pacispora (1) and Scutellospora (6) were recovered.The most dominant genus was Glomus in all selected sites, followed by Acaulospora.Weak and non-significant correlation was found between spore density and percent root colonization; percent root colonization and species richness, whereas positive correlation was found between spore density and species richness.Although lower value of Sorenson's coefficient of similarity revealed less overlapping in species composition of AM fungi but general diversity and distribution of AM fungi showed little variation in all selected sites.We found strong positive correlation between isolation frequency and relative abundance of AM fungal species.Spore density and colonization by AM fungi highly varied in all selected sites and weak, non-significant correlation existed between them.Spore density, percent root colonization and species richness in Vijaynagar were significantly higher compared to Kapadvanj, Satlasana and Danta.Seventeen tree species representing 14 genera and 13 families were examined for AM fungal association from semi-arid forest of Gujarat.All plant species were potentially colonized by AM fungi.Large variation was found in spore density (44-1529/50 g dried soil), percent colonization (19.02-81.72%)and number of species recovered (8-22) in selected plants.We suggest that the high diversity of AM fungi was present in selected semi-arid forests of Gujarat, India and the plants growing in the semi-arid environment are highly dependent on AM fungal colonization.