Arbuscular mycorrhizal associations in sesame under low-input cropping systems

The abundance and composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are generally low under managed agroecosystems in comparison to natural ecosystems. The objective of the study was to determine the composition and species richness of AMF associated with sesame under traditional low-input cropping system in Kerala, India. Wide variability in root colonization by AMF as well as spore density in the rhizosphere existed in sesame. Correlation between frequency of colonization (F%) and spore density as well as between these variables and soil characteristics showed a negative relationship. The fungal variables were influenced by soil factors such as pH, soil organic carbon (OC) and available nutrients. Frequency of colonization was positively correlated (P < 0.01) with soil pH and potassium (K) and negatively correlated with OC, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). AM spore density was positively correlated with OC, N and P and negatively correlated with pH and K. Ten taxa of AMF belonging to the genera Acaulospora, Diversispora, Funneliformis, Gigaspora, Glomus and Scutellospora were associated with sesame, with the predominance of Funneliformis and Acaulospora in both frequency and relative abundance over a wider soil nutrient range. Soil characteristics appear to have a profound influence on the composition and species richness of AMF under traditional low-input cropping systems.