Influence of mycorrhization and phosphate fertilizer on growth of Voandzou ( Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.)

Abstract

Many strains of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have the ability to improve the water and mineral nutrition of plants and in particular the supply of phosphorus (P). The objective of this study was to determine the influence of mycorrhization and simple superphosphate (SSP) on growth of Voandzou, also called Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.). Five SSP doses (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg P2O5.kg-1 of substrate) were administered on seedlings of two Voandzou landraces inoculated with AMF composite (Gigaspora margarita and Acaulospora tuberculata). Plants were harvested eight weeks after sowing. The results showed that mycorrhization and SSP favored vegetative growth and increased biomass. Thus, the number of leaves of mycorrhized plants was significantly higher than that of control by 5.0%. The highest leaf P-content was observed with 60 mg P2O5 + AMF treatment; but was reduced with 120 mg P2O5 + AMF treatment. Mycorrhizal intensity was highest without SSP. High P levels were observed to reduced mycorrhizal efficiency. However, low SSP doses could be associated with AMF to optimize Voandzou growth. In conclusion, mycorrhization and SSP enhance the growth of Voandzou.