Application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Production of Annual Oilseed Crops

Abstract

Oilseed crops are the second most in importance after cereals and significantly contribute to the Indian economy. Oilseeds cover about 13% of the total arable land and generate nearly 10 % of the total value of the agricultural products in India (Singh et al. 2006). The country grows nine dominant oilseed crops, with groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) and rapeseed-mustard (Brassica juncea L.) accounting for 87 % and 75 % of total oilseed production and acreage, respectively (Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2004). In India, soybean is the premier oilseed crop and growing parallel with groundnut followed by rapeseed-mustard. When compared to other countries, the productivity of these oilseeds per unit area is very low in India and their productivity is declining due tothe recurrence of drought, low nutrient use efficiency of crop, nutrient deficiency in soil and other biotic and abiotic stresses.