ABSTRACT
Where inoculation with selected AM fungi is required, it is essential to characterize the native AM fungal population first, as well as the soil characteristics, particularly soil P status which influences the efficacy of the fungus to a great extent. The selection process may then be carried out with host plants and inocula of various strains/species of AM fungi. Such experiments should be carried out under conditions which are nearest possible to the field conditions. Such pot experiments/micro plot experiments will be realistic and effective only when the exact host plant is used, as it is well-known that host plant species and even cultivars of the same species respond differently to a particular fungus. Further, the soil or substrate used must be the same or similar to the field soil conditions. This is also true with respect to the management practices like water, fertilizers and pesticide levels, as used in a sustainable agricultural system.
