Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of selected herbaceous plants under arid protected area in Tunisia

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in plants growth and soils dynamic in all most ecosystems. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the plant-AMF interactions on soil functions under arid protected area 'Zarat-Gabes' in Tunisia. AMF colonization was evaluated by visual observation of AMF in fine roots of eight herbaceous plants. The level of mycorrhizal colonization varied between plants. Astragalus corrugatus and Hippocrepis areolata showed the highest mycorrhizal performance. The relative spore number was significantly different across rhizosphere soils. Statistical analysis showed a clearly positive correlation between the number of spores and plant-mycorrhizal intensity. For microbiological parameters, our results showed that mycorrhizal plants improved significantly the various microbiological parameters. Rhizosphere soils of Astragalus corrugatus and Hippocrepis areolata presented the necessary microbial densities and microorganisms more stable compared to unplanted soil. This study allowed obtaining a new result that challenges us about the need for efficient management of natural resources in the objective of nature conservation.