Comparative analysis of metal uptake potential of hyphal fusion progenies of AMF and their parents

Abstract

The main objective of the present study was to compare 15 arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal isolates (8 parents representing 3 Glomus species under the same genera Glomaceae and their 7 stable hyphal fusion progenies) for their heavy metal uptake potential so that they can be recommended for soil reclamation, environmental protection, and enhanced agricultural production. In vitro studies were conducted with AMF cultures grown in jars with minimal media amended with or without coal ash containing heavy metals. The experimental design was completely randomized with three replicates per treatment. Uptake of ten metals namely Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Si and Zn was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Study results showed that heavy metal uptake by hyphal fusion progenies and their parental isolate differs considerably among themselves and also for different metals. Hyphal fusion progeny 14 and parental isolate P46 showed high tolerance for a wide range of metals.