Application des Mycorhizes Arbusculaires en culture maraîchère cas de la pastèque (Citrullus lanatus)

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential benefit of mycorrhiza on market gardening: watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) during the seasons of 2012 and 2013. Comparative tests in controlled conditions of greenhouse on the method of inoculation using AMF spores natives, allogeneic AMF of trade and the natural microflora of cultivated soil of watermelon were made. Applications of commercial mycorrhizal inoculum in practical field conditions were made at two sites. Ben Amar field without fertilizer of synthesis and El Karma field that has been treated or not with NPK applied at recommended doses commonly used by farmers (100% NPK) and lower doses (50% NPK). The measurements taken are affected to growth parameters, yield, caliber and number of fruits. The results revealed that in controlled conditions, the inoculum of trade was significantly more effective, as well as species of fungi of genus Glomus that had proved beneficial, hence the need to strengthen natural mycorrhizal populations present in agricultural soils by additional contributions of AMF to compensate their loss due to agricultural practices. In field, inoculation had beneficial effects on the plant growth and yield of watermelon. The addition of AMF combined with NPK chemical fertilizer at rate of 50% of the recommended doses gives the best results in terms of performance gain. However, the application of mycorrhizae alone will not be able to compete synthetic fertilizers in market gardening but may reduce their applications and improve efficiency while preserving the environment.