Effect of endomycorrhizal fungi on growth and development of thuya plants in a forest nursery, Morocco

Abstract

Thuya (Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters) are one of the ecological and economic interests of Morocco because it protects the soil against erosion and consider as a means of subsistence of the populations. A study was conducted at the nursery of the Forest Research Center to evaluate the reaction of the use of endomycorrhizal fungi to favors the good growth of this species. The Thuya plants were inoculated with an inoculum of AMF, originating from the rhizosphere of Thuya. The growth parameters were observed 17 months after their stay in the nursery. The best growth in height was recorded in non-mycorrhizal plants (from 20 cm in November to 30.74 cm in July) in comparison with mycorrhizal plants of 14 cm in November to 22.58 cm in July). However, the inoculation with AMF also improved collar diameter growth, our results showed the best collar diameter value observed in mycorrhizal plants compared to non-mycorrhizal plants, respectively, 4.17 mm and 3.39 mm in July.