Volume : 3, Issue : 2, February - 2014

Variability in Phyllosphere Mycoflora of Tea (Camellia sinensis L. O. Kuntze) From Cachar District of Assam.

Jahanara Begam, G. D. Sharma, H. K. Prasad

Abstract :

Phyllosphere is a unique ecosystem for microorganisms, comprising both biotic and abiotic factors. It may aquire the ability to prevent plant pathogens and become resistant to adverse conditions. The present study has been conducted to observe the seasonal variation and species diversity at Silcoorie Tea Estate of Cachar District of Assam. The sampling was carried out for one year (May-2012 – Apr-2013) seasonally after an interval of one month from different sites and different clonal varieties. A total 18 fungal species has been isolated representing 9 saprophytic and 7 parasitic including three unidentified ones. The species composition was seasonal, clonal, and leaf age dependent with considerable environmental fluctuations. The meteorological parameters seem to play an important role in species variability of the phyllosphere mycoflora.