Abstract

                                A survey was conducted to assess the natural AM colonization in rhizosphere of 2-3 years old Casuarina equisetifolia Frost seedling in different places of Tamil Nadu. High AM fungi spore was present in Casuarina rhizosphere soils of cuddalore, followed by Marakkanam and Kanyakumari. AM fungi inspection percentage was more in Casuarina roots of Kanyakumari followed by Cuddalore and Marakkanam. AM fungi colonization (both AM fungi spore number and AM fungi infection percentage) was fair p from 6.6- 7.5. Among the AM fungal genus. Glomus spp. was present in all the ten places surveyed in Tamil Nadu. Root and shoot length, and dry weight was higher in Casuarina seedlings grown in soil of Kanyakumari followed by Cuddalore which recorded more AM fungi spore number and AM fungi infection percentage.

Key words : Casuarina equisetifolia, Survey, AM colonization, Rhizosphere