TITLE:
Effect of Substrates on the Mycorrhization and Growth of Saba senegalensis under Semi-Controlled Conditions
AUTHORS:
Paul Diouf, Sire Diedhiou, Dioumacor Fall, Daouda Ngom, Mariama Dalanda Diallo, Ibrahima Ndoye
KEYWORDS:
Mycorrhizal Intensity, Nursery, Physicochemical Properties, Wild Fruit
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.10 No.9,
September
19,
2019
ABSTRACT:
Saba senegalensis is a wild edible fruit plant species with a high
economic potential which can be used to fight food insecurity in rural areas
and to reduce poverty. Domestication programs are being carried out to boost
production. However, no studies have been done to determine the optimal soil properties for
growing S. senegalensis. This study
was carried out to determine the effects of the physical and chemical
properties of different substrates on the mycorrhization
and growth of S. senegalensis under
semi-controlled conditions. S.
senegalensis seeds were grown for 4 months in the nursery using five
substrates: S1 (1/2 sand + 1/2 potting soil), S2 (1/3 sand + 2/3 potting soil), S3
(2/3 sand + 1/3 potting soil), S4 (potting soil) and S5 (sand). The intensity
of mycorrhization was highest for plants grown on substrates with a lowest clay, silt, and nutrient content S3 (29.5%) and S5 (23.5%) respectively. Substrates with much higher clay and silt content stimulated better the
growth of S. senegalensis than substrates with lower silt clay and nutrient content.
In the context of domestication, the quality of the substrates could be used to stimulate the mycorrhization and the growth of S.
senegalensis and thus quickly produce vigorous plants.