Exploratory Assessment of Potential Mycorrhization of Two Landraces of Plantain

2016

English

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role in ecosystem services which are beneficial to humankind. Mycorrhizal association is known to have several beneficial effects on plant growth and development. An exploratory assessment was conducted to assess the natural mycorrhization of plantain roots. Plantain seedlings of two cultivars belonging to the subgroup AAB (False Horn and Giant French) raised using macropropagation technique were used. The mycorrhizal colonisation was estimated using root staining and microscopy. Data were collected on frequency of mycorrhiza and intensity of mycorrhizal colonisation. Soil samples collected from the rhizosphere of plantain growing under nursery soil were also analysed. Results showed that False Horn plantain had a higher frequency and intensity of mycorrhizal colonisation than French plantain in all root samples. The mycorrhizal spores observed were almost of the same diameter and and could be assigned to the genus Glomus. The abundance of arbuscules in the root system of Apantu was μ=30.89%±6.40% with some root pieces completely mycorrhized and a dense arbuscule development. Different structures of arbuscules were observed, as well as few vesicles and spores. Arbuscule abundance in the root system of French was very low with μ=1.15%±1.13%. AMF frequency and intensity was low, while the abundance of unidentified microbiota was high and diverse. The presence of non-mycorrhizal fungal structures (not analysed), was higher for French than False Horn plantain. Mycorrhizal spores with size <125 μm were counted in the soil sample from the root rhizosphere of the seedlings. The study revealed the potential of mycorrhizal colonization of plantain roots which could lead to nutrient and water use efficiency in plantain production.

Sarkodie-Addo, J.; Dzomeku, B. M.; Darkey, S. K.; Bam, R. K.; Wuensche, J.