Occurrence of VAM associations in different plant species of the Indian desert

Abstract

Vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) infections were examined in 17 different Indian desert tree species. The intensity of infections varied among the species. Maximal infection of roots was recorded for Azadirachta indica, Acacia tor‐tilis, and A. aneura while A. catechu had the lowest rate of infection. Glomus and Gigaspora were the common VAM genera found associated with roots. The VAM infections were common in Opuntia spp. and Euphorbia spp. and the infection rate (30–100%) in these species was comparatively higher than in trees. The VAM infection of Azadirachta indica (neem tree) was observed on roots to 250 cm depth. The intensity of VAM infections varied with the availability of water. The deep‐rooted growth habit along with VAM infections of desert vegetation may be a survival mechanism in competition for water and nutrients with shallow‐rooted and fast‐growing plant species.