ABSTRACT
It is important to standardize the dose and time of application, apart from the method of application, in order to harness the maximum benefit from the AMhost association. In a potential inoculum, every propagule is capable of colonizing the host root. However, in order to ensure a threshold level of colonization and quicken the process of colonization, a higher density of propagules should be present in the inoculum. Our experience has shown that about 150 -2 0 0 infective propagules (determined by four-fold dilution) per g of substrate (sand: soil 1:1) will result in good colonization and establishment of the host. However, the number varies with other factors, such as their ability to tolerate soil (pH, nutrient status) and environmental factors (light intensity, temperature) and proliferate. In horticultural plants, where planting is carried out at comparatively larger distances, high inoculum density is preferred, unlike in other agricultural crops where seedling density is high, hence roots have a greater probability of encountering the infective propagules.
