Multifunctional aspects of in plant endosymbiosis.

(Hymenomycetes, Basidiomycota) is an endophytic fungus that colonises plant roots, and was originally isolated from Rajasthan desert. It is comparable to Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in terms of plant growth promotional effects. has been used as an ideal example to analyse the mechanisms of mutualistic symbiosis. Major benefit of over AM fungi is that it is axenically cultivable in different synthetic and complex media. A preliminary attempt was made to scrutinise the role of co-cultivation on seedling vigour of common vegetables like L., (L.) Moench, L. and L. The positive effect of co-culture on seedling performance was compared to the effects of growth hormones like indole acetic acid and benzyl amino purine when supplemented to the MS medium at a concentration of 0.1 mg ml. An exogenous supply of auxin resulted in enhanced production of roots and cytokinin supplement favoured shoot production, whereas co-culture favoured simultaneous production of shoot and root over the control. colonisation inside the roots of L. was also successfully established. These preliminary results indicate the prospective role of in vegetable farming through its favourable effect on plant growth.