Rhizospheric Fungi Associated with Cluster Bean from Sakri Tehsil, District Dhule

AbstractDiversity and composition of fungi associated with rhizosphere of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L), cultivated in Sakri tehsil, Dhule District Maharashtra were investigated. Total 20 rhizospheric soil samples were collected from healthy plants between February 2023 to February 2024. Isolation of fungi from these soil samples was performed using serial dilution plate technique on potato Dextrose Agar, followed by purification of distinct fungal colonies. The study documented nine fungal species belonging to the five genera namely Aspergillus niger, A. candidus, A. fumigatus, A. Kangawaensis, A. Flavipes, Mucor racemosus, Rhizopus oryzae, Curvularia lunata, and Cladosporium herbarum. The occurrence and distribution of these fungi varied throughout the sampling period, reflecting considerable diversity. Aspergillus was found to be dominant genera among the isolated fungi.