Arbuscular mycorhizal fungi associated with pistachio trees in Rafsanjan

In order to identify arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associated with pistachio (Pistacia vera) trees, root samples were collected in winter 2010 to spring 2011 in Rafsanjan. The root staining and spores population measurement were investigated in different pistachio varieties and seasons (winter and spring). Trap culture method using maize (Zea mays) and Sorghum (Sorghum vulgaris) were performed to produce healthy and abundant spores for identification. Wet sieving and decanting methods were used to extract AMF spores from soil. Species were identified using morphological and morphometrical characteristics. Root staining results showed a high symbiosis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with pistachio roots. Spore populations per gram soil were higher in winter than spring. Based on this research, one species of Claroideoglomus, Funneliformis and Simiglomus as well as four species of Glomus were isolated and identified. All species are new records for pistachio mycoflora and this is the first record of Simiglomus hoi for Iran.