Impact of mycorrhization on transplanting stress and the juvenile growth of an Ivorian forest species Guibourtia ehie (Fabaceae, (A. Chev.) J. Leonard)

Ivorian forest has been experiencing degradation for several decades despite reforestation efforts. The main cause of the failure of reforestation policies is an important mortality at the time of planting (transplanting stress). To remedy this problem, mycorrhization technology based on the beneficial effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) could provide a sustainable solution. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of AMF inocula (local and commercial inoculum) on the juvenile growth of a Côte d'Ivoire forest species (Guibourtia ehie). Vegetative growth parameters and mineral nutrition (N, P, K, and Ca) were evaluated. After 150 days of cultivation, the plants treated with the local inoculum had the highest mycorrhization frequencies (75%) and intensities (21.23%). Also for growth parameters (height, number of leaves, leaf area, and crown diameter) and for nitrogen and potassium contents, the plants treated with the local polyspecific inoculum had the highest values compared to the plants treated with the commercial inoculum and the control plants. Mycorrhization improved mineral nutrition as well as vegetative growth of G. ehie seedlings. The integration of mycorrhizal inoculation from local strains in reforestation policies could be a sustainable solution for the recolonization of degraded forests by endangered species.