Detection and Observation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus (AMF) in the roots of Shea Tree Seedlings Vitelleria paradoxa in Nigeria

ABSTRACT: Shea tree seedling root noodles also known as black dots were detected three months after the application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus (AMF) Acaulospora scrobiculatu in roots of Shea tree seedlings. The present study was carried out to detect the presence of mycorrhiza on the roots of Shea tree seedlings with the view to know whether it support the growth of the seedlings in the nursery The 300 gram application of AMF lead to the highest colonization rate observed with 59.00%. The 100 gram application also had colonization rate with 42.14% when compared with non application of AMF at 0.0 gram which recorded 0.00% colonization rate while the second non application of AMF also at 0.0 gram recorded 8.90% colonization rate. This suggests there were significant differences between treatment L with 300 g at 59.00% and treatment k with 100 g at 42.14% compared with treatment G with 0.0 g at 8.10%, A with 0.0 g at 0.00%, and D also with 0.0 g at 0.00% respectively. The application of AMF best supported the growth of Shea tree seedlings in the nursery with more leaves, thickness of the roots, black dots and influencing the growth of mycorrhizal hyphae. Non application of AMF was less suitable in supporting growth. In the absence of AMF, rich top soil of decomposed organic matters should be used.