Enhanced fig tree production through endomycorrhizal fungi inoculation: A nursery study on tree cuttings derived from the Ifrane Region, Morocco

Abstract

The mycorrhizal association represents a crucial symbiotic bond necessary for the vitality of the majority of plants. This report aims to investigate the impact of endomycorrhizal fungi on the production of fig trees from cuttings. The research took place in a nursery environment by inoculating fig cuttings sourced from three sites in Morocco with a composite inoculum of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The mean root and vegetative masses of the inoculated plants after 140 days were 33.1 g and 35 g compared with 1.8 g and 6.4 g in the control. The mean shoot length and number of leaves developed from treated cutting were 98.5 cm and 17, respectively 29 cm and 4 leaves in control. Thus, the newly formed roots showed a well-established mycorrhizal colonization and contained different structures characteristic of arbuscular endomycorrhizae: arbuscules, vesicles, endophytes, hyphae and spores. The frequency and intensity of root mycorrhization were approximately 80% and 15.5%, respectively. The contents of arbuscules and vesicles were 2.5% and 5.5%. The study of formed spores showed a combination of 52 spores per 100 g of soil, belonging to 11 species and 3 genera: Glomus, Acaulospora and Rhizophagus with dominance of the genus Glomus (85%). Glomus macrocarpum and Glomus deserticola were the most abundant species, appearing at 30.77% and 19.23%, respectively. The results demonstrate a pronounced stimulating effect on both root formation and vegetative shoot development in the inoculated cuttings. Specifically, the early inoculation of fig cutting with the AMF inoculum significantly enhanced rhizogenesis end root system development. Consequently, the gradual establishment of mycorrhizal symbiosis at the root level of inoculated plants led to good development of the root mass and the vegetative mass. The inoculated plants showed good root and vegetative mass development due to the installation and the progressive development of mycorrhizal symbiosis at their roots.

Full text

Received: 15 Mar 2024. Received in revised form: 20 May 2024. Accepted: 14 Aug 2024. Published online: 24 Aug 2024.
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Enhanced fig tree production through endomycorrhizal fungi
Enhanced fig tree production through endomycorrhizal fungi Enhanced fig tree production through endomycorrhizal fungi
Enhanced fig tree production through endomycorrhizal fungi
inoculation: A nursery study on tree cuttings derived
inoculation: A nursery study on tree cuttings derived inoculation: A nursery study on tree cuttings derived
inoculation: A nursery study on tree cuttings derived
from the Ifrane Region, Morocco
from the Ifrane Region, Moroccofrom the Ifrane Region, Morocco
from the Ifrane Region, Morocco
Mouad BALLAOUI
1
, Soumaya EL GABARDI
1
, Manal ADNANI
1
*,
Karima SELMAOUI
1
, Najia SAIDI
1
, Soukaina MSAIRI
2
,
Najoua MOUDEN
3
, Moulay Abdelaziz EL ALAOUI
1
,
Amina OUAZZANI TOUHAMI
1
, Allal DOUIRA
1
1
Université Ibn Tofail, Faculté des Sciences, Département de Biologie, Laboratoire des Productions Végétales, Animales et Agro-industrie,
Equipe de Botanique, Biotechnologie et Protection des Plantes, Campus Universitaire, BP 242, Kenitra, Morocco;
ballaouimouad@gmail.com; soumaya.elgabardi@gmail.com; manal.adnani@gmail.com (*corresponding author);
karima_selmaoui@yahoo.fr; najia.saidi@uit.ac.ma; azizelalaoui79@gmail.com; touhami01@hotmail.com; douiraallal@hotmail.com
2
Research Center of Plant and Microbial Biotechnologies, Biodiversity and Envirenment, Laboratory of Botany and Valorisation of Plant
and Fungal Resources, Department of Biology, Faculty of Scinences, Mohammed V University in Rabat,
Morocco; soukaina.msairi@fsr.um5.ac.ma
3
Université Mohammed 1er Oujda, Faculté Pluridisciplinaire de Nador, Laboratoire de Chimie Moléculaire et Molécules de
l’Environnement, FPN 300 Selouane, Nador, Morocco;
nadnajoua@gmail.com
Abstract
AbstractAbstract
Abstract
The mycorrhizal association represents a crucial symbiotic bond necessary for the vitality of the majority
of plants. This report aims to investigate the impact of endomycorrhizal fungi on the production of fig trees
from cuttings. The research took place in a nursery environment by inoculating fig cuttings sourced from three
sites in Morocco with a composite inoculum of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The mean root and
vegetative masses of the inoculated plants after 140 days were 33.1 g and 35 g compared with 1.8 g and 6.4 g in
the control. The mean shoot length and number of leaves developed from treated cutting were 98.5 cm and 17,
respectively 29 cm and 4 leaves in control. Thus, the newly formed roots showed a well-established mycorrhizal
colonization and contained different structures characteristic of arbuscular endomycorrhizae: arbuscules,
vesicles, endophytes, hyphae and spores. The frequency and intensity of root mycorrhization were
approximately 80% and 15.5%, respectively. The contents of arbuscules and vesicles were 2.5% and 5.5%. The
study of formed spores showed a combination of 52 spores per 100 g of soil, belonging to 11 species and 3
genera: Glomus, Acaulospora and Rhizophagus with dominance of the genus Glomus (85%). Glomus
macrocarpum and Glomus deserticola were the most abundant species, appearing at 30.77% and 19.23%,
respectively. The results demonstrate a pronounced stimulating effect on both root formation and vegetative
shoot development in the inoculated cuttings. Specifically, the early inoculation of fig cutting with the AMF
inoculum significantly enhanced rhizogenesis end root system development. Consequently, the gradual
establishment of mycorrhizal symbiosis at the root level of inoculated plants led to good development of the

Ballaoui M et al. (2024). Not Sci Biol 16(3):11972
2
root mass and the vegetative mass. The inoculated plants showed good root and vegetative mass development
due to the installation and the progressive development of mycorrhizal symbiosis at their roots.
Keywords:
Keywords:Keywords:
Keywords: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; fig tree; inoculation; mycorrhizal association; Morocco
Introduction
IntroductionIntroduction
Introduction
The fig tree, belonging to the Ficus genus within the Moraceae family, stands as one of the earliest
cultivated fruit species globally (Shi et al., 2018). Ficus carica is the only and most important of the 600 species
in this family grown for its edible fruits (Crisosto et al., 2011). The adaptable nature of figs allows them to grow
in areas with a Mediterranean climate (Oukabli, 2003). Various cutting methods, such as simple stem cutting
and heel crosspiece, can be employed to propagate and multiply fig trees and increase their numbers. (Isabelle,
2021). Cuttings are sections of mature tree stems that are cut and placed in an appropriate rooting medium,
where they are kept moist until roots and shoots develop (Chouard, 1948). These young roots and shoots are
very sensitive and need to be protected from nursery diseases and pests. The rhizospheric biological reservoir of
plants, including mycorrhizal fungi, establish a symbiotic relationship with its roots (Kachkouch et al., 2014).
This symbiotic association promotes the growth of the host plant by improving mineral and water nutrition
and also allows plants to better resist environmental stresses such as salinity, drought and even pathogenic
micro-organisms (Nwaga, 2007; Ngonkeu et al., 2007; Duponnois et al., 2013). Utilizing arbuscular
mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can enhance the efficacy of cutting techniques, promoting the early growth of roots
and shoots while providing protection against potential diseases in nursery environment (Gianinazzi et al.,
2010; Khabou et al., 2010; Sidhoum, 2011).
Several research findings have demonstrated the benefits of mycorrhization in fruit tree cultivation,
especially concerning the production of nursery plants (Szabó et al., 2010). The results of this study carried out
in a nursery, under a greenhouse, reveal that: early inoculation of fig tree cuttings with a CMA inoculum
stimulates early rhizogenesis and root system development. As mycorrhizal symbiosis gradually establishes
within the roots of these inoculated plants, it significantly enhances both root and vegetative mass growth
(Dahbia, 2009).
The scientific literature offers limited research on the direct mycorrhization of woody cuttings of plant
species during the vegetative propagation phase. In the present work, we inoculated fig tree cuttings with a
composite endomycorrhizal inoculum and followed, over time, the development of roots and vegetative buds.
The monitoring of mycorrhization on established roots was conducted, alongside evaluating sporulation of
endomycorrhizal species in the rhizosphere surrounding these newly formed roots.
In this context, the study focused on the fig tree in the traditional agro-ecosystems of the province of
Ifrane, Morocco. Taking into account fig biology, we will examine the impact of endomycorrhizal fungi on fig
cuttings, so we propose to understand the factors favoring the resistance of wild fig tree species in the region,
and to study this coexistence according to spaces, practices and uses.
Materials and Methods
Materials and MethodsMaterials and Methods
Materials and Methods
The study was carried out on cuttings of the fig tree, woody pieces of stems, of more or less variable sizes.
Fragments of rhizospheric cuttings of fig trees were collected from 3 sites generally characterized by calcareous
soils in the rural municipality of Tizguit, the province of Ifrane, in January 2022 (Figure 1). The samples were
placed in labelled plastic bags and returned to the laboratory.

Ballaoui M et al. (2024). Not Sci Biol 16(3):11972
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Figure 1.
Figure 1. Figure 1.
Figure 1. Fig tree in Ifrane
Barley was used as a host plant for the multiplication of composite mycorrhizal inoculum. Barley grains
were disinfected with 5% sodium hypochlorite for 2 minutes and germinated in plastic pots filled with a
mixture of sterile sand and mycorrhizal Fig tree roots (stored in the laboratory) (Steinkellner et al., 2007).
After four weeks of barley culture, the roots were recovered and cut into fragments 1 to 2 mm in length.
Three grams of mycorrhizal barley root fragments were used as an inoculum, applied to the base of each fig cut
replanted in plastic pots containing disinfected soil. Control cuttings are replanted in soil that does not contain
mycorrhizal roots.
The pots containing the inoculated fig cuttings and controls are subsequently placed in the green house
with temperatures ranging from 20 to 35 °C and 12 h light, and watered every two to four days, as necessary,
with tap water.
To determine the effect of endomycorrhizae on cutter rooting, several parameters were studied: root
and vegetative masses, number of branches formed (vegetative shoots) per cutter, size, and leaf number.
The mycorrhization of the newly formed roots was also determined. Fine roots were recovered, washed,
and stained with chrysil blue by Philips and Hayman (1970). Root mycorrhizal infection was estimated using
the method according to Philips and Hayman. The wet sieving method, described by Gerdemann and
Nicholson (1963) and Brundrett et al. (1999), was used to extract spores from soil around roots of inoculated
plants.
Extracted AMF spores were observed under a photonic microscope and identified using the Glomales
identification key (Sturmer and Morton, 1999; Blaszkowski and Czerniawska, 2008; Sharma et al., 2008).
Spore extraction
The wet sieving method described by Gerdemann and Nicolson (1963) is used to extract spores from
the soil. A quantity of 100 g of the soil is poured into a beaker and then mixed in 1000 ml of tap water and
stirred for 1 min with a spatula. After 10 seconds of settling to allow heavy particles and organic matter to settle,
the supernatant passed through sieves of different meshes. The same soil is again submerged, stirred, and the
wet sieving is repeated 3 times.
The soil is passed through four superimposed sieves with decreasing mesh (500, 200, 80 and 50 µm),
contains the maximum number of spores, it is recovered with some distilled water and transferred into
centrifuge tubes. After a first centrifugation of 2000 revolutions per minute (RPM) for 5 min, the supernatant
and the debris were carefully removed to avoid disturbing the pellet. Next, a 4 ml solution of 50% sucrose is

Ballaoui M et al. (2024). Not Sci Biol 16(3):11972
4
added to the pellet. After stirring, a second centrifugation at 2000 RPM was carried out for 1 min, and
subsequently a third centrifugation at 3000 RPM for 1 min. The supernatant containing the spores, is passed
through the sieve, and the pellet is discarded. These spores are rinsed with distilled water to remove sucrose and
then disinfected with an antibiotic solution to avoid any bacterial contamination. The spores are then
recovered with some distilled water in an Erlenmeyer.
After extraction, endomycorrhizal spores were counted and identified based on morphological traits.
The number of spores in the soil was estimated by counting the spores in 100 g of the soil and extrapolating to
the total volume (100 ml).
Mycorrhization rate evaluation
Mycorrhizal parameters were evaluated by observing thirty root fragments about 1 cm long, randomly
selected to quantify mycorrhizae (Trouvelot et al., 1986; Amir and Renard, 2003; El Gabardi et al., 2024).
These fragments are mounted parallel in groups of 10 to 15 in a drop of glycerol water between the blade and
the lamella. Each fragment was carefully checked over its entire length, at magnifications × 100 and × 400.
The frequency and contents of AMF arbuscules and vesicles inside the root bark are measured by
assigning a mycorrhization index ranging from 0 to 5 (Derkowska et al., 2008):
0: absence; 1: traces; 2: less than 10%; 3:11 to 50%; 4: 51-90%; 5: more than 91%
Frequency of mycorrhization (F%)
F% = 100 × (N - n0)/N
With, N: number of fragments observed and n0: number of non-mycorrhizal fragments.
Mycorrhization intensity (M%)
M% = (95 n5 + 70 n4 + 30 n3 + 5 n2 + n1)/N
With, n = number of fragments assigned the index 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5
Arbuscule content (A%)
A% = (100 mA3 + 50 mA2 + 10 mA1) /100
where mA3, mA2, mA1 are the% assigned A3, A2, A1, respectively, with, mA3 = (95 n5 A3 + 70 n4 A3
+ 30 n3 A3 + 5 n2 A3 + n1 A3)/N. Similarly, for A1, A2,
In this formula, n5A3 represents the number of fragments denoted 5 with A3; n4A3 the number of
fragments denoted 4 with A3;
A0: no arbuscules; A1: few arbuscules 10%; A2: medium abundant arbuscules 50%; A3: very abundant
arbuscules: 100%.
Vesicle content (V%)
V% = (100 mV3 + 50 mV2 + 10 mV1) /100
Where mV3, mV2, mV1 are the% assigned respectively of the ratings V3, V2, V1, with, mV3 = (95 n5
V3 + 70 n4 V3 + 30 n3 V3 + 5 n2 V3 + n1 V3)/N. Similarly, for V1, V2,
In this formula, n5V3 represents the number of fragments denoted 5 with V3; n4V3 the number of
fragments denoted 4 with V3:
V0: no vesicles; V1: few vesicles 10%; V2: medium abundant vesicles 50%; V3: very abundant vesicles:
100%.
Specific richness and frequency of spore appearance
The specific richness represents the total number of species observed per sampling site and the frequency
of appearance of the species corresponds to the percentage of sites where each species is detected.

Ballaoui M et al. (2024). Not Sci Biol 16(3):11972
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Statistical analysis
The statistical treatment of the results obtained focused on the analysis of variance with a single
classification criterion (ANOVA).
Results
Results Results
Results
Inoculated fig cuttings developed their first roots 15 days earlier than the control also their shoots
appeared 20 days sooner. All cuttings inoculated by the endomycorrhizal inoculum yielded vegetative shoots
(100% cuttings). On the other hand, only 75% of the cuttings in the control batch were able to develop
vegetative branches.
140 days after planting the cuttings, the average length of the inoculated plants was 98.5 cm, with an
average number of leaves of 17.25 and an average number of buds of 1.75. Uninoculated cuttings have an
average shoot length of 29 cm, with an average leaf count of 3.75, and an average bud count of 1.25 (Figures 2
and 3 and Table 1).
Figure 2
Figure 2Figure 2
Figure 2. Effect of mycorrhization on the development of the aerial and root part in the cuttings of fig tree,
140 days after their culture
Statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed by the variance analysis with one criterion of classification
(Kruskal-Wallis test)

Ballaoui M et al. (2024). Not Sci Biol 16(3):11972
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Figure 3
Figure 3Figure 3
Figure 3. Aerial and root length in mycorrhizal and control cuttings of fig tree
Two values on the same line followed by the same letter are not significantly different at the 5% threshold, according
to the Kruskal-Wallis test
Table 1
Table 1Table 1
Table 1. Effect of mycorrhization on vegetative and root growth of fig tree
Average mycorrhizal cuttings
Average mycorrhizal cuttingsAverage mycorrhizal cuttings
Average mycorrhizal cuttings
Average of control cuttings
Average of control cuttingsAverage of control cuttings
Average of control cuttings
Plant length (cm) 98.5
a
29
b
Root length (cm)
63.25
a
12
b
Length of the aerial part (cm) 37.35
a
17
b
Root mass (g)
33.1
a
1.53
b
Mass of roots alone (g) 15.68
a
0.68
b
Mass of the aerial part (g) 35.13
a
6.4
b
Mass of twigs (g) 22.4
a
1
b
Number of buds
1.75
a
1.25
a
Number of leaves 17.25
a
3.75
b
Two values on the same line followed by the same letter are not significantly different at the 5% threshold, according
to the Kruskal-Wallis test
The average vegetative biomass was around 35.13 g after 140 days of planting the cuttings. In
comparison, non-inoculated cuttings had only 6.4 g of vegetative biomass (Figure 4 and Table 1). The
development of vegetative biomass is the result of a good development of the root system. Indeed, the
endomycorrhizal inoculum tested induced in their hosts (fig cuttings) the formation of a significant root mass
of 33.1 g on average per cutting (Figure 4 and Table 1). The root system of mycorrhizal cuttings is well
branched, with adventitious roots and lateral roots. On the other hand, the non-inoculated fig tree cuttings
developed a poorly branched root system of 1.53 g per cutting (Figure and Table 1).
Based on the number of leaves and the number of branches, it is noted that mycorrhizal cuttings are the
most developed compared to non-mycorrhizal cuttings (Figure 5; Table 1).
Mycorrhization of the roots of the cuttings also seems very important. Indeed, the intensity and
frequency of mycorrhization were 15.5% and 80% and the contents of vesicles and arbuscules are respectively
5.5% and 2.5% (Table 2). Microscopic observations of the roots also revealed the presence of endophytes,
hyphae and spores (Figure 6). Concerning the estimation of the density of spores in the rhizosphere of cuttings,
the average recorded was 52 spores/100 g of soil.

Ballaoui M et al. (2024). Not Sci Biol 16(3):11972
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Figure 4
Figure 4Figure 4
Figure 4. Root, shoot and twigs biomass in mycorrhizal and control fig tree cuttings
Two values on the same line followed by the same letter are not significantly different at the 5% threshold, according
to the Kruskal-Wallis test
Figure 5.
Figure 5. Figure 5.
Figure 5. Leaves and buds’ number in mycorrhizal and control fig tree cuttings
Two values on the same line followed by the same letter are not significantly different at the 5% threshold, according
to the Kruskal-Wallis test
Table 2
Table 2Table 2
Table 2. Plant root mycorrhization parameters
S: 100% Soil; S + M: 100% Soil + 10 g endomycorrhizal inoculum;
Figure 6
Figure 6Figure 6
Figure 6. Different structures of endomycorrhizal fungi observed in the roots: vesicles (v), hyphae (h) (G
× 400)
Culture substrates
Culture substratesCulture substrates
Culture substrates
F%
F%F%
F%
M%
M%M%
M%
A%
A%A%
A%
V%
V%V%
V%
S 0 0 0 0
S + M
80
15.5
2.5
5.5

Ballaoui M et al. (2024). Not Sci Biol 16(3):11972
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The identification of isolated spores showed a morphological diversity of endomycorrhizal fungi
belonging to 11 species (Figure 7). These species belong to 3 genera (Glomus, Acaulospora and Rhizophagus), of
which the genus Glomus is the most dominant 86.54% (Table 3 and Figure 7). Glomus macrocarpum and
Glomus deserticola are the most abundant species, with a frequency of occurrence of 30.77%, and 19.23%
respectively (Table 3 and Figure 8).
Figure 7.
Figure 7.Figure 7.
Figure 7. Spores of mycorrhizal fungi isolated from the rhizosphere of fig cuttings: 1: Glomus desirticola;
2: Glomus microcarpum; 3: Glomus macrocarpum; 4: Claroideo glomus claroideum; 5: Glomus sp.; 6:
Acaulospora delicata; 7: Acaulospora morrowiae; 8: Glomus clarum; 9: Glomus versiforme; 10: Glomus
etunicatum; 11: Rhizophagus intraradices

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Table 3
Table 3Table 3
Table 3. Frequency of appearance of genera and species in fig cuttings
Genus
GenusGenus
Genus
Species
SpeciesSpecies
Species
Number
NumberNumber
Number
% of the
% of the % of the
% of the
number
numbernumber
number
Total
TotalTotal
Total
% of the
% of the % of the
% of the
gender
gendergender
gender
Acaulospora
A. delicata
2 3.85% 3 5.77%
A. morrowiae 1 1.92%
Glomus
G. claroideum 1 1.92%
45 86.54%
G. clarum 1 1.92%
G. desirticola 10 19.23%
G. etunicatum 3 5.77%
G. macrocarpum 16 30.77%
G. microcarpum 5 9.62%
Glomus sp. 2 3.85%
G. versiforme 7 13.46%
Rhizophagus Rh. intraradices 4 7.69% 4 7.69%
Figure 8
Figure 8Figure 8
Figure 8. Frequency of appearance of mycorrhizal species in the rhizosphere of fig cuttings
Discussion
DiscussionDiscussion
Discussion
In this study, an endomycorrhizal fungi inoculum was used to investigate its impact on the rooting
process of fig wood cuttings and the subsequent growth of the vegetative shoots. The mycorrhized fig tree
cuttings exhibited rapid root and shoot development in comparison with the control.
The presence of endomycorrhizal fungi near the cuttings could probably have stimulated the early
emission of roots. Therefore, the progressive colonization, over time, of the young formed roots, clearly explains
the significant effect of endomycorrhizal fungi observed on the growth of the roots and that of the vegetative
buds.
Out of 52 species of AMF spores recovered from the rhizosphere Glomus macrocarpum was the most
represented (16 propagules) and the least represent species were G. clarum, G. claroideum and A. morrowiae (1
propagule) (Figure 8)
According to Requena et al. (1996), the number of propagules encountered in a soil type depends on
the diversity of plant species that develop in them (Sanon, 2006) and the ecological factors that prevail in the
region (Requena et al., 1996; Lovelock et al., 2003; Sanon, 2009). Lack of plant cover also causes a decrease in

Ballaoui M et al. (2024). Not Sci Biol 16(3):11972
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the number of infectious propagules and influences their distribution which sometimes is very heterogeneous
in the sites.
Studies have shown that mycorrhizas, through the development of their mycelium, modify the general
root architecture (Smith and Read, 1997; Berta et al., 1995). Observation of the root system of certain plant
species, for example Vitis vinifera (Schellenbaum et al., 1991), Populus sp. (Hooker et al., 1992; Nounsi et al.,
2015), Platanusaceri folia (Tisserant et al., 1992), Prunus ceracifera (Fortuna et al., 1998), Coffea arabica (Al-
Areqi et al., 2014), Olea europaea (Chliyeh et al., 2014) and Ceratonia siliorqua (Talbi et al., 2015) showed a
great improvement in the ramification of the root system of mycorrhizal plants.
The presence of endomycorrhizal fungi in the growing substrate also increased the percentage of cutting
success. This percentage is 100% and has remained stable over time. Control cuttings that did not root and
those that did not develop sufficient roots died respectively during the first few weeks of planting the cuttings.
Such observation remains inexplicable for the moment but everything suggests that the mortality of cuttings
can only be linked to inoculations with endomycorrhizal fungi. Indeed, some surviving non-inoculated cuttings
(controls) all took root and were able to develop vegetative shoots, but the root and vegetative masses remained
low compared to those observed in the mycorrhizal cuttings.
The presence of endomycorrhizal fungi in the rooting substrate influences rooting quality. However,
this observation does not seem to hold true for other plant species. Nelson (1987), for example, noted that the
colonization of the roots of some ornamental woody plant species by mycorrhizal fungi does not mean that the
symbiosis is sufficiently functional for the plant to reap all the benefits.
It has been noted that, sometimes, root colonization is slow (3 or 5 months), and it depends on the plant
species. Tréparnier (1998) reported that when the propagules of endomycorrhizal fungi are distributed
throughout the growing medium, the cuttings take time to be colonized.
Mycorrhizal fungi belonging to the Glomus genus are predominant in all sites and also have the highest
number of morphotypes. The Glomus genus is generally the most represented in terms of species in soils of
semi-arid ecosystems, probably because of its ability to adapt to degraded soils (Bâ et al., 2001).
According to this author, it is possible to reduce the duration of colonization of the roots and to see
effects on growth by placing the propagules of endomycorrhizal fungi directly at the base of the stem as soon as
they are rooted. Similarly, it was noted that the multiplication of Sciadopitys verticillata plants in a substrate
containing propagules of Glomus intraradices allowed a better rooting percentage of the plants compared to
those multiplied in a control substrate (Douds et al., 1995).
Studies in Turkey showed that inoculation with mycorrhizal species had positive effects on fig tree (Ficus
carica L.) growth and nutrient uptake (Comlekcioglu et al., 2008). The study carried out by Comlekcioglu et
al. (2008) showed that inoculation with Glomus caledonium, G. margarita, G. intraradices and G. clarium
increased the dry weight of fig plants and their roots compared to the control plant. G. caledonium-inoculated
plants had the highest root colonization compared to all plants (Comlekcioglu et al., 2008).
The sporal densities observed in the rhizosphere of the vine studied (19 to 56 spores per 100 g of soil)
are low compared to those observed by El Hazzat et al. (2018) in the chickpea risosphere (41 to 74 spores/100
g of soil). Selmaoui et al. (2017) reported 53 to 88 spores per 100 g of soil in the rhizosphere of sugarcane. Artib
et al. (2016) recorded 42 to 240 spores per 100 g of soil in the rhizosphere of citrus fruits in the Gharb region.
Chliyeh et al. (2014) reported 365 spores/100 g of soil in the rhizosphere of the Sidi taibi olive tree.
Suresh and Nelson (2015) reported 742 spores/100 g soil in the rhizosphere of sugarcane in Tamil
Nadu, India. El Asri et al. (2014) observed 84 to 160 spores per 100 g of soil in the carob rhizosphere. Bouamri
et al. (2006) noted densities varying between 295 and 1900 spores per 100 g of soil in the rhizosphere of the
Tafilalt palm. On the other hand, at the level of the rhizosphere of Casuarina sp., a very low number of spores
was recorded ranging from 2 to 22 spores per 100 g of soil (Tellal, 2008). Gould et al. (1996) reported spore
numbers varying from 4 to 1576 spores per 100 g of soil in quarry soils restored at different times after

Ballaoui M et al. (2024). Not Sci Biol 16(3):11972
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revegetation. Mott and Zuberer (1987) found spore densities reaching 9050 to 11470 spores per 100 g of soil
in mulberry soil.
Suresh and Nelson (2015) in the Tamil Nadu sugar cane rhizosphere in India reported 742 spore/soil
100 g. El Asri et al. (2014) observed 84 to 160 spores per 100 g of soil in the Caroubier rhizosphere. Bouamri
et al. (2006) noted densities ranging from 295 to 1900 spores per 100 g of soil in the rhizosphere of Tafilalt
palm. In contrast, at the Casuarina sp. rhizosphere, a very low number of spores was recorded ranging from 2
to 22 spores per 100 g of soil (Tellal, 2008). Gould et al. (1996) reported spore numbers ranging from 4 to 1576
spores per 100 g of soil in quarry soils restored at different times after revegetation. Mott and Zuberer (1987)
found spore densities ranging from 9050 to 11,470 spores per 100 g of soil in mulberry trees.
Spore enumeration of spores of mycorrhizal fungi showed a predominance of the genus Glomus, which
was also found in Morocco in the rhizosphere of the olive tree (Kachkouch et al., 2012 and 2014; Chliyeh et
al., 2014), oleaster (Sghir et al., 2013), date palm (Sghir et al., 2015), Ceratonia siliqua (El Asri et al., 2014;
Talbi et al., 2015), Casuarina (Tellal et al., 2008; Hibilik et al., 2021), Quercus suber (Hamidi et al., 2017).
Argania spinosa (Maazouzi et al., 2024; Sellal et al., 2021), Tetraclinis articulata (El Khaddari et al., 2022).
The duration of mycorrhization may depend on three factors: the host used; the infectious power of the
mycorrhizal fungus and the culture substrate (Plenchette and Fardeau, 1988).
Conclusions
ConclusionsConclusions
Conclusions
The results of this study carried out in a nursery reveal that the early inoculation of the fig tree cuttings,
with a CMA inoculum stimulated the early rhizogenesis and development of the fig tree cuttings root system,
thus the progressive installation of mycorrhizal symbiosis in the roots level of the inoculated plants resulted in
a good development of root mass and vegetative mass.
Authors’ Contributions
Authors’ ContributionsAuthors’ Contributions
Authors’ Contributions
MB: Investigation, original draft; SEG: Writing, Methodology; MA: Data curation, Software; KS:
Validation, NS: Supervision, Validation; SM: Revision, translation; NM: Editing, revision; MAE:
Methodology; AOT: Supervision, Formal analysis; AD: Project administration, Supervision. All authors read
and approved the final manuscript
Ethical approval
Ethical approvalEthical approval
Ethical approval (for researches involving animals or humans)
Not applicable.
Acknowledgements
AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements
Acknowledgements
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-
profit sectors.

Ballaoui M et al. (2024). Not Sci Biol 16(3):11972
12
Conflict of Interests
Conflict of InterestsConflict of Interests
Conflict of Interests
The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to this article.
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