Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated to Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in soils of Sikasso region (Mali)

Abstract

In Mali, studies on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) characterization and diversity are still few, despite the important roles played by these microorganisms in plant growth and in degraded soils restoration. Sorghum is one of the staple food grains in Mali and as such plays a key role in food security in Mali. This study aims to determine diversity of AMF strains associated to sorghum in Sikasso region soils in Mali. For this, soils were sampled using sorghum plants in different fields of this region, which served as substrates for trapping AMF. These soils have been studied separately. Results gotten revealed 21 AMF morphotypes left between 6 genera (Glomus, Scutellospora, Gigaspora, Acaulospora, Entrophospora, Sclerocystis) of three families (Glomeracea, Gigasporacea, Scutellosporacea). Four of these morphotypes have been identified.   Key words: Diversity, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Sikasso, Mali.