Arbuscular Mycorrhizal and Root Colonizing Dark Septate Endophyic Fungal Associations in Urginea indica and Urginea wightii Accessions

Abstract

Urginea indica belongs to Hyacinthaceae family. It is also known as Indian squill, commonly called as wild Onions. The over exploitation and habitat degradation has resulted in the loss of habitat and it has caused genetic depletion and loss of genetic diversity. Immediate Measures have to be undertaken for conservation, to save this economically important medicinal plant. The present investigation is an attempt to highlight the occurance of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and Dark Septate Endophyte (DSE) fungal association found in the root bulbs of Urginea indica. 8 Accessions of Urginea was examined in Urginea indica kunth and Urginea wightii accessions, collected from various regions of Karnataka and South India. Fungal Symbiosis was present in all the accessions, with 100% root infection. Urginea has DSE fungal association and AM Association. This is the first report on the DSE fungal association in Urginea indica kunth. In addition to the prevalance of AM fungal symbiosis. The role of DSE is still in infancy. Though noclear relationship between AM and DSE fungal colonizations was recognized. Our studies suggests the coexistence of AM and DSE fungal colonizations are common terrestrial habitats especially the xerophytic environment. DSE-plant symbiosis should not be limited to nutritional uptake but mediates other parameters such as drought resistance, stress tolerance and herbivore resistance. Our results show 100% infection by AM and DSE fungal colonies. Infection levels were high throughout the year, the highest levels occurring in the most nutrient-stressed situations. Their occurrence and variaton in different accessions is discussed below.