Ectomycorrhization of six Acacia auriculiformis provenances from Australia, Papua New Guinea and Senegal in glasshouse conditions: effect on the plant growth and on the multiplication of plant parasitic nematodes

Six provenances of Acacia auriculformis have been tested for their ectomyco rrhizal dependency with 2 indigenous strains of Pisolithus sp. Moreover, th e endomycorrhizal and rhizobial symbiosis, the multiplication of plant para sitic nematodes have been quantified. The results showed significant variat ions in plant development between provenances. Both the compatibility with and dependency on the ectomycorrhizal strains were different among the prov enances. Three main genera of nematodes have been identified, in particular S. cavenessi, which is one of the most pathogenic nematodes of soudano-sah elian crops. Endomycorrhizal structures were sometimes detected on the root systems. These results suggest that provenances of A. auriculiformis that are well adapted to the indigenous environmental conditions (pedoclimatic, soil borne pathogens) must be selected for their mycorrhizal dependency and for their resistance to plant parasitic nematodes. Moreover, the ectomycor rhizal symbiosis has to be considered as an important component of the cult ural system.