Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi in cultivated soils in the Far North region of Cameroon. To this end, composite soil samples were taken from six divisions in the Far North region. The spores were isolated by wet sieving and observed using a WILD M3B (Heerbrugg Switzerland) stereo microscope. They were identified on the basis of their size, colour, ornamentation of their suspensory hyphae or suspensory bulbs, and the germination loop, and their diversity was determined. The results showed the presence of mycorrhizal spores in the six divisions of the region. A total of 11 morphotypes belonging to eight genera were identified. The Gigaspora genus was the most represented with three species, followed by the Scutellospora genus with two species, and the other genera were represented by a single species each. The structure shows two forms varying according to the species, ranging from suspensory bulbs to hyphae forms. The high density in 3 morphotypes which are: Dentiscutata nigra 19 spores per 100 g of soil, Scutellospora scutata 17 spores per 100 g of soil and Gigaspora margarita 10 spores per 100 g of soil. This diversity obtained in the northern part of Cameroon could be very beneficial for the agricultural sector.

Key words: Diversity, mycorrhizal fungi, North Region.