Shea (<i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i> C.F. Gaertn.) Growth Improvement by Mycorrhizal Inoculation in Controlled Conditions

Abstract

This study is Shea Park restoration contribution. In this study, Shea butter was cultivated for 12 months on non-sterile culture substrate and then inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The mycorrhizal parameters were evaluated at 12 months after sowing and the growth parameters of the plants at 4 and 12 months after sowing. The results showed mycorrhizal infection of all treatments and stimulation of Shea's growth according to inocula. Yac 2 mix allowed a better improvement Shea growth. This inoculum improved Shea height growth by 10.34% at 4 months and 29.02% at 12 months after sowing compared to the treatment inoculated with Glomus aggregatum, by 46.02% at 4 months and 80.71% at 12 months after sowing compared to controls. Glomus aggregatum improved Shea height by 32.33% at 4 months and 40.06% at 12 months after sowing compared to controls. This inoculum also improved the Shea collar diameter by 12% at 4 months and 28.53% at 12 months after sowing compared to the treatment inoculated with Glomus aggregatum, by 53.86% at 4 months and 75.85% at 12 months after sowing compared to controls. Glomus aggregatum improves the Shea height by 37.38% at 4 months and 36.81% at 12 months after sowing compared to controls. Yac 2 mix also improves the height relative growth rate by 33.33% and the collar diameter relative growth rate by 54.54% compared to the controls. This study has shown promising results for the restoration of the Shea Park and deserves to be deepened by extending it to other mycorrhizal strains.