Morphological and molecular diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated to Carica papaya L. rhizosphere in two agro-ecological zones in Cameroon

The papaya tree is not very exploitable on the international market because of post-harvest decline fruits. In this study, we identified arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from rhizosphere in two agroecological zones Cameroon (Njombe-Pendja: NP and Yaounde: Y). Morphological studies density, rate root colonization, diversity AMF species were evaluated. Molecular identification was performed by sequencing small subunit (SSU) 18S rDNA gene region soil samples. These genes amplified AML NS2 primers. total number spores per 100 g dry significantly different (P<0.05) depending sites, ranging 391 to 790 Y sites. frequency intensity colonization Eleven (11) belonging seven (7) genera (Scutellospora, Gigaspora, Acaulospora, Entrophospora, Funneliformis, Glomus Racocetra) recorded. Two (T1: Scutellospora rosa T6: Racocetra gregaria) recorded at absent Y. Shannon-Wiener index revealed a low species. Homogeneity analysis reveals that obtained have sizes 250 bp. Key words: Arbuscular fungi, Carica L., fungal, molecular morphological identification, rhizosphere.