Diversity and Distribution of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Solanum Species Growing in Natural Condition

Species composition and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in three Solanum species (Solanum khasianum, Solanum sisymbriifolium, and Solanum torvum) were investigated. The extent of AMF colonization was highest in S. sisymbriifolium and lowest in S. torvum, whereas, AMF spore density in the rhizosphere soil was lowest in S. sisymbriifolium and highest in S. torvum. Low percentage of dark septate endophyte (DSE) was also observed in all the species. A total of 24 AMF species belonging to four genera (Acaulospora, Glomus, Gigaspora, and Scutellospora) were isolated and identified from the rhizosphere soils. S. khasianum harbored 12 AMF species, while S. sisymbriifolium and S. torvum contained 11 AMF species each. Glomus and Acaulospora were the most frequently encountered AMF species. These findings indicate that Solanum species are rich in AM fungal diversity, and selection and inoculation of appropriate microbial strains could be of great value in improving the quality and quantity of plant material.