摘要：We studied the prevalence of fungus in the soils of agricultural (cereals, chilli, coriander, sugarcane, and wheat cultivation) fields and its adjoining drinking water tube well surroundings in Betul District, Madhya Pradesh. A total of 13 soil samples randomly collected from Betul and its subsidiary Multai area were tested. Soil samples were serially diluted and plated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar incorporated with gentamycin, incubated at 37°C for 4 days. Fungal isolates were stained with lactophenol cotton blue and microscopically identified using standard mycological literature. Among the 6 genus observed, Rhizopus and Aspergillus were more frequent (20% and 10%, respectively) in cereals, sugarcane and wheat cultivation fields. Mucor and Fusarium were found to be higher (10% and 6%, respectively) in coriander and green chilli fields. Candida and Penicillium (each 2%) was found only in the surroundings of drinking water tube wells. We recorded both agriculturally and medically important pathogenic fungus from the tested soils. Indeed, the observed saprophytic fungus may influence the crop productivity and quality of drinking water in these regions. Suitable bio-control and safety measures are needed to eradicate the pathogens to increase the crop productivity as well as the quality of drinking water.
关键词：Betul district soil mycoflora; prevalence; agricultural fields; drinking water tube wells
