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Dubey RC, Ginwal HS, Dubey RC. 1997. Prospects of mycorrhizal fungi in the Himalaya: forms, function and management. In: Himalayan microbial diversity. Part 2; Sati SC (ed.), Saxena J (eds). pp 317-338, Today and Tomorrow's Printers & Publishers, New Delhi, India Mycorrhizal fungi form 7 types of symbiotic association with plant roots: vesicular-arbuscular (VA) mycorrhiza, ectomycorrhiza, ectendomycorrhiza, arbutoid mycorrhiza, monotropoid mycorrhiza, ericoid mycorrhiza and orchid mycorrhiza. The Indian Himalayas harbour a diverse mycoflora forming mycorrhizas in different forests at different altitudes. Mycorrhizal fungi increase the absorption area of the roots and provide host plants with nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Na, Zn and Cu), resistance to stress and drought and protection against pathogens and pests. As a result of the association, levels of several resistant and inhibitory chemicals (polyphenols and terpenes) increase in plants. Beneficial chemicals, including amino acids and hormones, are secreted in high amounts thus increasing the longevity of plants. In recent years, much attention has been paid to the exploitation of mycorrhizal fungi as biofertilizers and biocontrol agents. In some countries, inoculum production of such fungi has been commercialized. To boost afforestation/reforestation programmes in the Himalayas, suitable nursery technologies for artificial inoculation of seedlings must be made available to nurserymen. Some of these aspects are briefly discussed in this communication.
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