Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi — Identification, Taxonomic Criteria, Classification, Controversies and Terminology

Abstract

Taxonomy of any group of plants is an important aspect for a botanist. During the last two decades systematics of VAM! AM fungi has gained significance because of theiI role in soil fertility, nutrient uptake and biocontrol of plant diseases. Many of the fungi have not yet been cultured axenically which also includes VAM! AM fungi. Therefore their identification depends on specimens directly isolated from soil on the maximum observable characters. Of the total of about 164 VAM! AM fungi known 111 are known from India.