Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) help to facilitate mobilization of nutrients from soil to plant. The study was carried out in humid Rubavu and semi-arid Bugesera districts in Rwanda. We hypothesized that the presence of tree species in farming systems enhances mycorrhizal fungal density. The occurrence and abundance of AMF in the soil around main agroforestry tree species in these regions was studied. Tree species in Rubavu included Alnus acuminata, Markhamia lutea, Grevillea robusta and Eucalyptus sp. and in Bugesera Acacia polyacantha, Senna spectabilis, Grevillea robusta and Eucalyptus sp. AMF spores were isolated from soil samples collected under and outside the trees canopies. Results show significant differences in spore density between species. The density of AMF spores was highest under A. acuminata and A. polyacantha and lowest in Eucalyptus sp. and G. robusta in Rubavu and Bugesera, respectively. Generally, the mean spore abundance (spores/g of soil) was significantly higher in Bugesera (3.1-6.6) than Rubavu (1.6-4.4). Spores abundance was also affected by distance from the tree trunk and tree size. The present work is the first attempt to study the AMF communities associated with tree species in agroforestry systems in Rwanda. We propose further studies relating mycorrhizal diversity in the agroforestry systems to performance and yields of crops.

Key words: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, spore abundance, agroforestry system.