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The results of the diversity analysis
of VAM population showed that Gigaspora
gigantea is the most abundant in the three
plantations. Similarly, Acaulospora collosica,
Scutellospora reticulata, Scutellospora pelucida
were also found in all the three plantations, also
signifying profusion to the overall population of
VAM. More importantly, three unknown species
of mycorrhizal fungi were found, which are
deemed to be of genus Glomus, Scutellospora,
and Gigaspora, indicating remarkable variety
of VAM in the soil.
Diversity analysis found that diversity
index value in Kongkong Valley was the highest
(0.92) compared to Muta (0.53) and Malabing
Valley (0.26). Species richness value was
higher in Kongkong (7.85) which is located in
lower elevation/areas. S value in Muta Valley
recorded with a value of 5.54 while in Malabing
Valley was 2.53. Repetition index in which the
lower the values computed, the higher the count
of each species found in the area. Repetition
index in Kongkong Valley recorded with a value
of 0.56 followed by Muta Valley with a value of
0.69 and 0.63 for Malabing Valley.
Macronutrients were significantly
enhanced when citrus seedlings were
inoculated with VAM fungi compared to non
inoculated citrus plants. The results of the
microscopic observation of root samples of
citrus seedlings inoculated with VAM fungi
indicate that mycorrhizal fungi’s penetration
to the root system is evident for symbiotic
association. Thus, citrus growth characteristics
were significantly affected.
The current study had shown that
inoculating Citrus reticulata B. VAM fungi
enhances growth performance. The inoculation
resulted in an increment in height growth by
95.86%. Shoot and root biomass increased
significantly. Inoculated plants subsequently
produced more leaves per plant, which could
have increased the rate of photosynthesis.
Inoculated plants produced also more roots
per plant which were longer than in the non
inoculated plants. This improvement in plant
growth could be attributed to the enhancement
of the plant to absorb more nutrients, via an
increase in the absorbing surface area.
Conclusions
1. The soil of citrus plantation
of Nueva Vizcaya has a greatpotential to
produce indigenous VAM fungi and utilize
as biofertilizersfor citrus species specifically
Gigaspora gigantea, Acaulospora collosica,
Scutellospora reticulata, and Scutellospora
pelucida.
2. VAM fungi isolated from Kongkong
Valley showed the most diverse population of
mycorrhizal fungi revealing 11 known species
and 3 unknown species. Five (5) known
species and 1 unknown specie of the genus
Gigaspora, were observed in Muta Valley. Four
(4) known species were observed to be present
in Malabing Valley and the most dominant was
Gigaspora gigante.
3. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi,
particularly Glomus mosseae, can utilize as
VAM fungi for Citrus reticulata. Compatibility and
colonization with mycorrhizae can penetrate
the epidermal cells and cortical cells without
disturbing the growth of citrus seedlings.
4. Significant increase of macronutrient
uptake was investigated when citrus was
inoculated with VAM fungi.
5. VAM fungi proved that it can enhance
growth characteristics of citrus.
Recommendations
The researchers would like to recommend
mass production of indigenous VAM fungi
and can be utilize by citrus growers in Nueva
Vizcaya. Application in field in the form of field
demonstration is also recommended. For future
research studies, the researchers recommend
shelf-life studies of VAM fungi and the possibility
of patenting the process of mass production
and application in citrus plantations.
12 Diversity Studies and Utilization of Indigenous Vescular.......