2018 Vol.24 No.2 PP 239­-244

SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN THE AEROMYCOFLORA OF MENTHA ARVENSIS

^*N. B. SINGH AND K.L. TIWARI¹

^*Department of Botany
Govt. Nagarjuna P.G. College of Science,
RAIPUR (C.G.) INDIA-492010
¹School of Studies in Biotechnology
Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University,
RAIPUR (C.G.) INDIA-492010

ABSTRACT

The survey of aeromycoflora over Mentha arvensis L. plants was carried out at Raipur. During investigation period, a total of 52 fungal species were recorded. Maximum 35 species recorded during winter season and minimum 19 species during summer season. The seasonal variations showed climatic factors influence the occurrence of aeromycoflora. Syncephalastrum racemosum, Alternaria alternate, Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium cladosporoides, Curvularia lunata, and Fusarium oxysporum were recorded in all the three seasons of the year. Emericella nidulans and Aspergillus japonicus were recorded during summer and rainy season. Mucor hiemalis f. silvaticus, Rhizopus oryzae, Curvularia clavata, Fusarium equiseti and Penicillium frequentans during rainy and winter season. Mycelia sterilia (White-ii) was recorded during summer and winter season only. Maximum number of fungal species i.e. 35 was recorded during winter season because of the favourable temperature (29.1ºC) and relative humidity (62.1%). Minimum numbers of fungal species i.e. 19 were recorded during summer season due to unfavourable temperature (38.4ºC) and relative humidity (46.1%).

Key words : Aeromycoflora, Atmosphere, Fungi, Mycelia sterilia.