African Journal of
Microbiology Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Microbiol. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0808
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJMR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 5242

Full Length Research Paper

Diversity and distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated to Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdcourt) in Benin

Leslie-Dolorès Raïssa BOSSOU
  • Leslie-Dolorès Raïssa BOSSOU
  • Laboratory of Soil Microbiology and Microbial Ecology (LMSEM), Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC); 01 BP 526 Main Recipe Cotonou, Benin.
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Fatioulaye MAMA
  • Fatioulaye MAMA
  • School of Management and Plant and Seed Production, National University of Agriculture of Porto Novo; BP: 43 Ketou, Benin.
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Appolinaire ADANDONON
  • Appolinaire ADANDONON
  • School of Management and Plant and Seed Production, National University of Agriculture of Porto Novo; BP: 43 Ketou, Benin.
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Mahougnon Charlotte Carmelle ZOUNDJI
  • Mahougnon Charlotte Carmelle ZOUNDJI
  • Laboratory of Soil Microbiology and Microbial Ecology (LMSEM), Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC); 01 BP 526 Main Recipe Cotonou, Benin.
  • Google Scholar
Moriaque Tobi AKPLO
  • Moriaque Tobi AKPLO
  • Laboratory of Soil Microbiology and Microbial Ecology (LMSEM), Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC); 01 BP 526 Main Recipe Cotonou, Benin.
  • Google Scholar
Pascal HOUNGNANDAN
  • Pascal HOUNGNANDAN
  • Laboratory of Soil Microbiology and Microbial Ecology (LMSEM), Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC); 01 BP 526 Main Recipe Cotonou, Benin.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 15 November 2021
  •  Accepted: 23 December 2021
  •  Published: 31 March 2022

Abstract

Bambara groundnut, despite its attributes in providing protein to human, is facing soil fertility and degradation problems, always leading to little performances. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) constitute a microorganism group used by many researchers to improve productivity of crops in poor soils. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution and diversity of AMF associated to Bambara groundnut in different agro-ecological zones in Benin. A survey was conducted through 20 villages chosen based on Bambara groundnut yield, cropping area and its production across five agro-ecological zones (from AEZ 1 to AEZ 5). Soil and root samples were collected to assess spore density and diversity, root colonization levels and soil chemical properties. Results revealed significant difference (p <0.0001) among agro-ecological zones in terms of density of AMF, which varied from 2825 to 5713 spores per 100g of soil, depending on the AEZ. The highest density was recorded in the cotton zone in the northern Benin. The diversity of AMF also varied, depending on the AEZ. In total, 14 morphotypes belonging to five genera (Glomus, Gigaspora, Acaulospora, Scutellospora and Diversispora) were identified in the different studied zones with Glomus genus the most frequently recorded in all AEZ. Correlation tests among the different parameters have, in general, revealed that, the zones with the low rates of the different parameters had those with the highest frequencies of mycorrhization. It also appears that spore density did not correlate with diversity index, mycorrhization frequencies and intensities, but soil chemical parameters significantly did.

 

Key words: Bambara groundnut, mycorrhiza, agro-ecological zone, density, Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF).