Bioferlizing and Nematodes Control Potentials of Four Native Isolates of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum) in Togo

Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of four isolates of the native Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus (AMF) in improving pepper plant yield as well as to assess their potential for the control of nematodes.

Study Design: The experimental set up consisted of a Completely Randomized Block Design with 5 treatments corresponding to the four isolates of AMF– BEN10, GM142, 472, and WA330 – tested in comparison with the untreated plants as a control treatment.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in 2020 from June to September « at the Research Station of the Faculty of Agronomy, University of Lomé, Togo».

Methodology: The seeds of pepper were inoculated with the four AMF isolates in the nursery. Six weeks after, the seedlings were transplanted on 3mx6m beds. Several growth parameters such as the number of leaves and branches, plant height, number of flower buds and fruit weight were recorded each three weeks after transplantation. Nematode density was assessed four times (before transplanting, at the flowering, during fruiting, and after the last harvest of pepper fruits).

Results: The AMF increased significantly the marketable pepper fruit weight by 39%, and reduced significantly the root nematode density by 20-34%. A positive correlation (P<0.0001; r = 0.816) was observed between the mycorrhization frequency and mycorrhization intensity, the former was varied from 70% to 91% and the latter from 60% to 85%. The plant height, the number of leaves, the branches and the number of flower buds were not affected by AMF inoculation.

Conclusion: The present study showed the potential of AMF to be considered alternative candidate to chemical fertilizers and pesticides for sustainable production of sweet pepper in Togo.