Abstract

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) through symbiotic association with host roots increase water and nutrients supply of host plant getting carbohydrates from host plant in return. This study aimed to investigate the effects of AM fungi on growth and growth related parameters of mung bean. To achieve the aims, the methodology included soil analysis, determining spore density and diversity, root colonization by AM fungi, growth parameters and protein in the colonized plants at vegetative and fruiting stages. This study reports spore density and AMF colonization (in tested plants) was higher in fruiting stage and lower in vegetative stage in mung bean as compared to control. The study reported Glomus had the maximum number of spores and Sclerocystis and Acoulospora showing the lowest spores number than control. Root colonization was noted to be more effective at fruiting stage than vegetative stage. Plant height observed at vegetative stage of AMF treated plants was 18.33+-0.88 cm whereas 11.33+-082 cm in control. Similarly, plant height at fruiting stage was 19.3 +- 1.45 cm and 12.3+- 1.76 cm in AMF treated plants and control respectively. Importantly, the crude protein content recorded in untreated plants was 18.67+-0.33% while in AMF treated plant was 23.33+-1.45%. From the findings of the current study, it can be illustrated that AMF can be used as biofertilizers.

 Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, mung bean, improving plant growth