R. N. Thatoi , S. Sahu , A. K. Misra , G. S. Padhi

Abstract

Leucaene leucocephala shows poor growth and nodulation capacity in iron mine waste soil of Orissa due to poor nutrient content and toxic effect of heavy metal iron accumulation. Inoculat on of two VAM species e.g. Glomus mosseoe and Glomus fasciculotum to Leucaena plants grown in iron mine waste soil and garden soil induced differential growth responses. Out of two VAM fungi inoculated G. mosseae in general improved growth, nodulation and rhizobial population in the rhizosphere of Leucaena plant while treatment with G. fasciculatum induced negative impact. However G. mosseae inoculation appeared to retard nodulation and rhizobial population in the rhizosphere when grown in pure iron mine waste soil. Treatment of mine waste soil with sand (50%) was seen to improve plant growth under control and VAM treated conditions.

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K. Mishra , A. Mishra , G. S. Padhi

Abstract

Studies were undertaken on processed Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.) leaves of various qualities as practised by the Forest Department of Government of Orissa, with regard to size, texture, colour, moisture, chlorophyll content etc. and the nature of mycobial contamination. The results indicated that, out of four broad categories of leaves studied (M-I&II, M-III, Q-IV and rejected samples) M-I&II quality leaves have the highest chlorophyll pigment and lowest moisture content with lowest fungal contamination. Chlorophyll content of leaves decreased with fall in quality of leaves but fungal population and moisture content showed reverse trend. Fungal population increased with fall in quality of leaves. Various species of Aspergillus were found to be the dominant flora in all the leaf samples, along with species of Penicillium, Curvularia and Cladosporium, Aspergillus flavus a fungus known for production of aflatoxin was found to be present in Q-IV leaf samples in low percentage (about 10%).

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