Distribution of Mycorrhizal Populations in Tandooreh National Park in relation to Calcium and Potassium in vitro

This investigation was carried out to identify type and extent of mycorrhizal distribution in Tandooreh National Park and determine the effects of Ca and K concentration on mycorrhizal development in vitro on Zea maiz using natural soil as substrate. Soil and root samples were taken from top 30 cm soil using a 10cm diam. steel borer from 7 stations located at 11 50 to 2300m heights from sea level. At least 2 plots of 100m2 (10 ´10m) were sampled. Plant samples were also collected. Sections were prepared from root samples were longitudinally sectioned and stained with Lacto phenol cotton blue. Spores of mycorhizae were isolated usingcentrifugation60% in sucrose solution centrifugation at 9000 rpm for 2 min. Surface characteristics of spores were used in their identification. 53 species of plants were identified. Majority of plants (50] species had vesicular aruscular mycorrhizae (greater than 90%). Seven species of Glmous were present in the rhizosphrere of all stations. Seedlings of maiz were grown in the pots containing Tandooreh soil with or without addition of given amounts of Ca and K in a factorial statistical plan. After 8 weeks of cultivation in greenhouse conditions, the plants were removed and their roots were separated and stained using method of Hyman and Philips to detect type and extent of mycorrhization. Dry weight and nutritional elements were determined in roots and shoots. K and Ca added in certain concentrations to soil were effective on mycorrhizal development. Ca and K had synergistic ionic effects in lower concentrations and showed antagonistic ionic effects in high concentrations in mycorrhizal development. There was also a correlation between mycorrhizal development and absorbed amount of Ca and K in shoots.