Occurrence of vesicular – arbuscular mycorrhizae in medicinal plants
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Occurrence of vesicular – arbuscular mycorrhizae in medicinal plants
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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K. K. Sulochana, P. Sivaprasad, G. Sreekantan Nair
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Occurrence of vesicular – arbuscular mycorrhizae in medicinal plants
Year: 1991
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study focuses on the occurrence of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) in 16 medicinal plants, highlighting the beneficial effects of this fungal association on plant growth and nutrient uptake. Previous research had indicated that medicinal plants, particularly those rich in secondary metabolites, were typically non-mycorrhizal. However, more recent findings suggest that some medicinal plants may still support VAM colonization. This communication reports observations from a study conducted at the College of Agriculture in Vellayani, Kerala, where root samples from various plants were examined for VAM presence and colonization rates.
Role of Mycorrhizae in Medicinal Plant Growth
One significant finding of this research is that all observed medicinal plants hosted VAM fungi in their root tissues, contrasting earlier beliefs that secondary metabolites hindered mycorrhizal associations. The research revealed varying colonization percentages and intensity scores across the studied plants. For instance, Panicum repens exhibited the highest colonization at 62.5% with an intensity score of 4, while Cardiospermum halicacabum had the lowest colonization at 12.4% with an intensity score of 1. Notably, a significant positive correlation (r = 0.78) was found between the percentage of VAM colonization and the intensity scores, suggesting that as colonization increases, so does the intensity of the association.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that medicinal plants can indeed harbor VAM fungi, potentially enhancing their growth and nutrient uptake. This is significant because it refutes earlier claims that secondary metabolites in these plants prevent mycorrhizal colonization. Given the beneficial role of VAM in plant health, the study encourages the use of VAM inoculation technology to improve the growth conditions of medicinal plants. These insights pave the way for further exploration into how mycorrhizal associations can be harnessed to optimize the cultivation and efficacy of medicinal plants.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) and their significance?
VAM are symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots, enhancing growth and nutrient uptake. They can improve plant health and resilience, crucial for medicinal plants that produce secondary metabolites.
What was the objective of the study on medicinal plants?
The study aimed to observe the occurrence of VAM in 16 medicinal plants, analyzing their colonization intensity and how it relates to the plants' growth and health.
Which medicinal plant showed the highest VAM colonization in the study?
Panicum repens exhibited the highest mycorrhizal colonization at 62.5%, with an intensity score of 4, indicating a good level of VAM association.
Can VAM inoculation improve the conditions of medicinal plants?
Yes, since the study confirmed that medicinal plants can harbor VAM, using VAM inoculation technology may enhance their growth and overall health, potentially improving their medicinal properties.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Occurrence of vesicular – arbuscular mycorrhizae in medicinal plants”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Agriculture:
Agriculture is the practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products. It is relevant to the study of medicinal plants as the research occurs in an agricultural setting, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices to enhance the growth of these plants through techniques such as mycorrhizal inoculation.
2) Cyperus rotundus:
Cyperus rotundus, commonly known as purple nut sedge, is a medicinal plant included in the study. Its mycorrhizal association demonstrates the significance of VAM fungi in enhancing nutrient uptake and growth. This plant's findings contribute to understanding the role of VAM in supporting agricultural biodiversity and medicinal properties.
3) Solanum indicum:
Solanum indicum, or Indian nightshade, is another medicinal plant analyzed for VAM colonization. Its inclusion indicates the diversity of plants that can benefit from mycorrhizal associations, suggesting potential for improving cultivation practices in agriculture, thus linking the plant's health and medicinal benefits with sustainable agricultural methodologies.
4) Substance:
In this context, 'substance' refers to the chemical compounds, particularly secondary metabolites, produced by medicinal plants. These substances can influence the mycorrhizal colonization, making it crucial in assessing the interactions between the VAM fungi and plant health, highlighting the importance of chemistry in agriculture.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses systematic knowledge that derives from observations and experimentation. In this study, the scientific approach is essential for understanding the mechanisms of VAM colonization in medicinal plants, highlighting the interplay between biological sciences and agriculture in enhancing plant growth and soil nutrient dynamics.
6) Water:
Water plays a critical role in plant health, growth, and nutrient uptake. In VAM research, water facilitates the process of nutrient transport in the soil and supports the symbiotic relationships between plants and mycorrhizal fungi, underscoring the necessity of proper irrigation and moisture management in agricultural practices.
7) Soil:
Soil is a fundamental component for plant growth, providing nutrients, water, and a medium for root anchorage. The study emphasizes the interaction between VAM fungi and soil health, suggesting that understanding soil composition and microbial associations is vital to improving the cultivation and medicinal efficacy of plants.