Root Zones Hydrocarbon Utilizing Mycoflora of Sugarcane

Soil is the habitat of extremely complex microbiological community in which occurs the entire phenomenon operative in the struggle for existence. The struggle for existence among the component microbial elements in the soil is intensified in the vicinity of the plant root. There is an accelerated degradation of pollutants in these regions. Soil microorganisms are stimulated by exudates from plant root which increases the growth and activity of soil microorganisms. This understanding has lead to the adoption of a newer and more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly bioremediation technique known as rhizoremediation in the elimination of pollutants from contaminated soil. Fungi are important members of soil ecosystem; their conspicuous presence in the root zones and roles in plant growth promotion and protection are well documented. Fungi play considerable part in the breakdown of petroleum hydrocarbon. Saccharum. officinarum, a versatile grass found across many geographical zones of the world has been reported to tolerate some levels of crude oil in soil and could be employed for rhizoremediation.