Rhizophagus in Mycorrhizal Association with Litchi chinensis Sonn

The morphology and the mycotrophic habit of a new species ofRhizophagus in mycorrhizal association with the roots ofLitchi chinensis Sonn a tropical fruit tree, has been described. It belongs to the vesicular-arbuscular group of phycomycetous endophytes and has been namedRhizophagus litchii sp. nov.The endophyte could not be brought into culture in artificial media, the presence of living litchi roots was necessary for its growth and development.Root penetration of the endophyte was through the epidermal cells. Roots hairs were free from infection.Part of the thesis submitted byS. Pandey for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur, Bihar (India).