Madhanraj P, Manorajan S, Nadimuthu N and Panneerselvam A
Sand dune samples numbering 40 were collected from 8 different stations along the entire Tamil Nadu coast and examined by dilution plating method on MEA medium to assess the fungal diversity, their population density. Physico-chemical characteristics of the soil were also analyzed to find out their impact on fungal population. A total number of 24 species representing 12 genera were recorded from all the sand dune samples. Physiochemical analysis revealed the moisture content in the range from 3.6 to 34 per cent, water holding capacity from 17.4 to 21.5 %, pH from 6.65 to 8.80, EC from 0.06 to 3.1 organic carbon from 4 to 20 mg/g and available nitrogen from 0.014 to 0.046 mg/g in different stations. Correlation analysis made between fungal population density and physico– chemical factors of the soil revealed no factor as responsible for the population density changes in different stations.
