Mycorrhizal colonization in Drosera burmannii Vahl, a Carnivorous Plant: Observation using Light and Fluorescence Microscopy

Abstract

In the present investigation, the insectivorous plant, Drosera burmannii Vahl inhabiting in the natural ecosystem was evaluated for categorizing the status of mycorrhizal colonization under fluorescence and light microscope. The results revealed the occurrence of dual colonization by AM and DSE fungi in D. burmannii. Mycorrhizal structures such as arbuscules possessed 21.48 %, vesicles having 18.66 %, 65.56% of hyphae and 7.14% of DSE colonization in the root. The colonization by mycorrhizal fungiwas noticed in the cortical cells and it was more in the outer cortical cells. Fluorescing vascular bundles and the presence of root hairs were observed. Hyphal coils and hyphal penetration in the epidermis along with fluorescing arbuscules were also observed. The study suggests the presence of mycorrhizal associations may assist benefit to the plant to acquire nutrients from the soil.