Because of the benefit of mycorrhizal symbiosis, there is an interest on how agriculture can manipulate this system.  Comparison of mycorrhizal fungal diversity will allow the determination of possible effects that agricultural practices such as fungicides and fertilizers may have mycorrhizal fungal populations. 

            A survey was conducted in Kern County to help determine the diversity of the indigenous mycorrhizal fungi in vegetable production.  Three conventional vegetable fields, three organic vegetable fields, and three non-cultivated native areas were included in the survey.  Surprisingly, only two species, Glomus intraradices and Glomus mosseae accounted for almost all the mycorrhizal diversity in Kern County.  A third unidentified species accounted for a small portion of the total. 

            Generally speaking, there were more mycorrhizal fungi in the non-cultivated native soil than the organic vegetable fields and even fewer in the conventional vegetable fields.  Apparently the more agricultural inputs applied, the fewer mycorrhizal fungi will be present.