Mycorrhization and root excision effects on morphological and biomass production of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.)

Abstract

Ceratonia siliqua L. plant (carob tree) is a Mediterranean species. In Tunisia, natural distribution of this species is situated in humid zones in the north to the driest ones in the south of the country. Ceratonia siliqua regeneration depends on seeds quality and performances as well as on the practical vegetative propagation tools. Nowadays, carob tree cultivation is limited by the seedlings quality behind the juvenile stage caused by the deterioration of plant root system. This study investigates the effect of lone and mutual root excision technique and mycorrhization on carob seedlings growth performance. Two carob seeds origins were germinated then excised and/or mycorrhized using a sterile substate. For control seedlings, experiment was made without excision nor mycorrhization application. Seedlings were grown in green house. Mycorrhizae applied with excision ameliorated significantly plant length, leaf number, dry and fresh weight of external plant part and roots, collar root diameter and roots branching numbers. Survey of mycorrhizae effects proved also amelioration on carob growth and biomass production but indiscernibly than use of mycorrhization and excision techniques together. Excision alone does not take a part on seedling increasing performance. Mycorrhization of carob species applied with excision increased morphological plant status. Results highlighted the efficiency to use this process to promote plants behaviour by enhancing plant roots and growth in forest farming model in forest areas and agricultural lands.