Karima Selmaoui

By Zineb Sellal, Amina Ouazzani Touhami, Jamila Dahmani, Soukaina Maazouzi, Najoua Mouden, Mohamed Chliyeh, Karima Selmaoui, Rachid Benkirane, Cherkaoui El Modafar and Allal Douira

Despite the importance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) within forest and agroecosystems, few data are available about how AMF communities are structured in the root zone of the argan tree. Some studies have characterized endomycorrhizal fungi population occurring in rhizosphere soils of argan trees grown in southwest of Morocco, numerous sites in this area harbored unexplored communities. The endomycorrhizae diversity of rhizosphere soils collected from 15 argan forest stands located in Lakhssas, Smimou, Ait Baha, Tamanar, Essaouira, Taroudant (Elkodya), Irherm, Guelmim, Imsouane, Anzi, Tiznit, Taghazoute, Ait Melloul, Bouizakarne, and Oulad Teima have revealed the presence of different AMF communities sharing some species but dissimilar AMF community compositions are noted according to sampling time and site. Additionally, the diverse AMF structures detected such as vesicles, arbuscules and hyphae reflect implicitly the germination of AMF propagules in the rhizospheric area of the Argan tree. The pre-evaluation of AMF in the soil through spores’ density can indicate AMF community dynamics, signaling either the adaptability of mycorrhizal symbionts to the local conditions or its decline. In total, 39 morphotypes of endomycorrhizal fungal spores were identified and described, representing seven genera: Glomus (15 species), Scutellospora (3 species), Entrophospora (4 species), Pacispora (2 species), Gigaspora (4 species), Acaulospora (10 species), and Ambispora (1 species). The genus Glomus has a wide occurrence and had the largest number of species. This chapter gives a great overview of the mycorrhizal status of argan trees in their natural habitats of the main Moroccan argan forests.

Part of the book: Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Agriculture

By Samah Ourras, Ismail El Aymani, Najoua Mouden, Soumaya El Gabardi, Manal Adnani, Karima Selmaoui, Mariam Artib, Rachid Benkirane, Cherkaoui El Modafar, Amina Ouazzani Touhami and Allal Douira

Saffron cultivation is an important alternative for marginalized areas. Due to low soil fertility and low water availability, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are an essential alternative for maintaining fertility and water economy, stimulating growth and protecting plants against soil diseases. Studies on the diversity of endomycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of Crocus sativus in Taliouine (Tinfat), located in Morocco, revealed the impact of age saffron plantations. A greater endomycorrhizal fungi density was recorded in the rhizosphere of saffron plants from plots operated for 2 years (138.66/100 g of soil) over that occupied for 10 years. Seventeen morphotypes of collected spores belong to 5 genera: Glomus (seven species), Acaulospora (seven species), Rhizophagus, Densicitata, and Funneliformis (one species). The weak endomycorrhizal species richness can be explained by the accumulation of C. sativus residues over time and its allelopathic effect. The beneficial effect of composite endomycorrhizal inocula, originating from Moroccan saffron plantations, was obvious in the growth of saffron plants, mother bulb number, the leaves length, root, and vegetative masses. These inocula mycorrhized over time saffron plants’ roots and can sporulate at the level of the rhizosphere of these plants. The use of composite inocula, as biofertilizers, can be one of the solutions for sustainable agriculture.

Part of the book: Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Agriculture