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(RI = R/T) was also calculated. This index
represents the estimate of the minimum number
of sub-samples necessary to cover all diversity
present in the group of samples. Frequency (%)
was calculated based on the occurrence of a
species on trap cultures. Pearson’s coefficient
was used to correlate soil chemical and physical
characteristics with data on spore abundance
and root colonization (Edwards, 1996).
In-vivo Compatibility and Colonization of
VAM Species in Citrus Root System
An experiment was conducted to
support the diversity studies and to analyze
if the mycorrhizal fungi present in the three
different plantations are effective as growth
enhancer.
Glomus mosseae was used as test
organisms because this species can easily
be mass produced and several authors have
been tested and studied to several fruit bearing
trees. In addition, Schubler (2001) investigated
an initial physiological interaction with citrus
root system.
Satsuma seedlings were used for
the experiment. There were three treatments
employed, one applied with mycorrhizal fungi
specifically Glomus mosseae at a rate of sixty
spores per pot, one applied with recommended
rate of synthetic fertilizer. N was applied at
1-2 lb N/tree/yr to young bearing citrus and
P rates 0.2 lb P/tree/yr (DA, 2005; Doerge et
al., 1991) arranged in a randomized complete
block design. The third treatment was the
control (without mycorrhiza) citrus plants. Six
replicates were used for each treatment. The
seedlings were carefully observed every after
four days starting from the initial measurement.
Colonization of VAM in the root system of pregerminated
Satsuma seedlings and three-month
old ponkan seedlings was also investigated.
Quantification and Detection of VAM
Colonization in Citrus Roots by Staining
Technique
Two grams (0.07 oz) of citrus roots
were removed from each pot containing soil
sample prior to sieving and stored at 5°C (41°F)
in 50% ethanol. Roots of citrus fine roots were
also stored in ethanol. Fine root samples were
prepared for VAM fungi assessment by rinsing
with distilled water, clearing with 10% KOH for
6 to 12 h at 75°C (167°F), staining with trypan
blue for 30 min at 75°C (167°F), and de-staining
in 50% glycerol (Koske and Gemma 1989).
VAM fungi colonization was assessed using the
magnified intersections method (McGonigle et
al. 1990). For each sample, fifty 1 cm (0.4 in.)
root segments were mounted on a glass slide
and observed under 11Ox magnification using a
compound microscope equipped with a crosshair
eyepiece. At a single intersection between
each root segment and the eyepiece crosshair,
the presence/absence of VAM hyphae,
vesicles and arbuscles were noted.
Percent mycorrhizal colonization,
number of vesicles and arbuscles formed per
1 cm root segments mounted on glass slides
and observed under 110x magnification using
compound microscope
Effects of vesicular-arbuscular
mycorrhiza inoculation on growth performance
of Citrus reticulata
The experiment was laid out in a
randomized complete block (RCB) design,
with six replicates and three treatments. Each
treatment consisted of six 20cm clay pots. A
total of eighteen clay pots were used with single
plant. Top soil (0- 15cm) was collected from
the experimental station planted with different
vegetables. The soil was air dried, pulverized
and passed through a 2mm sieve. The soil was
then sterilized with the use of autoclave at 15
psi for 2 hours. The soil had an initial pH of
5.50 (Potentiometric Method), organic matter
content of 1.23% (Walkley-Black Method), total
nitrogen 0.11% (Modified Kjedahl Method),
potassium 3.80 me/100g (Flame Photometer
Method) and available phosphorus 82.23
ppm (Bray No.2 Method). The soil was then
put into the 20cm top diameter clay pots. The
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Diversity Studies and Utilization of Indigenous Vescular.......