Effect of root-inhabiting fungi on root growth potential of Uapaca kirkiana (Muell. Arg.) seedlings

摘要: The influences of mycorrhizal fungi on the nutrient uptake and growth host plants, as well other advantages conferred their hosts such increasing resistance to drought, disease heavy metal toxicities, have been very documented. However, relatively less attention has paid influence pure mixed cultures these organisms ability seedlings produce new roots rapidly, which is a key factor in seedling vigour survival after planting. Therefore objective this study was investigate Uapaca kirkiana (Muell. Arg.), newly domesticated African fruit tree. To achieve objective, seven culture fungal root associates were isolated from dug out protected natural forest area near Kitwe (Zambia). suspension mycelia spores cultured distilled water. Pure characterized, both later back-inoculated into fresh whose white tips had removed. Root potential (RGP), defined total quantity produced, determined for each inoculum 28 days. A significant increase production compared with uninoculated control (P < 0.05) observed plants inoculated inocula six isolates. average number produced per plant four those isolates significantly greater than receiving general culture. surviving roots, RGP source all inter-related. Mortality strongly related limitation plants' (r= −1; P 0.01), that did not died. greatest 84%, found some mixture stimulate enhance sterile practical importance regeneration may be used an index resilience reforestation success hostile environments.