Biotechnology of VA Mycorrhizza: Indian Scenario

knowledge on mycorrhiza-plant relationship has grown somewhat with slow pace until about 1970 when there was a sudden upsurge of interest on a specialized type of endomycorrhiza-vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VA Mycorrhiza). The prodigious research made during last three decades clearly established its widespread occurrence in various plant species and under different agro-climatic conditions covering broad ecological range including deserts, forest and mangroves. It was also established that this symbiotic association benefits the plants through enhanced nutrient uptake, biological control of root pathogens, and synergistic interaction with nitrogen fixing microorganisms, hormone production and drought resistance. In view of its utility to plants, this bio-tool has now attracted the attention of microbiologist. agronomist, horticulturist and foresters at global level.