Enhancement of growth in mangrove plant (Ceriops tagal) by Rhizophagus clarus

The present study was conducted to investigate the growth response of Ceriops tagal Perr.) C.B. Robinson a mangrove species belonging to the family Rhizophoraceae. Three dominant native arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal species viz., Rhizophagus clarus, R. intraradices, and Acaulospora laevis were selected. The results revealed that the Mycorrhizal Plant Responsiveness (MGR) was greater in AM inoculated plants compared to control plants. Among AM fungal treatments, plants inoculated with R. clarus recorded significant increase in growth responses compared to remaining AM treatments. The study suggests that R. clarus was the most efficient AM species exhibiting greater influence on growth and biomass. Differences in growth parameters between AM inoculated treatments and control are reasonably linked to colonization levels. The result of the present study indicates that potential native AM fungal species can be use in mangrove reforestation programs as bio-inoculum.