Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Effect in the Protection of date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) against the Pathogenic agent Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. albedinis ( Bayoud disease)

Objective: The aim of the present work was to study the effect of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, coming from the oasis of Figuig in the South-Est of Morocco, in the protection of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) against Bayoud disease. Results: Treatment with AMF reduced disease severity; the presence of the pathogenic agent Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. albedinis (Foa) caused a fall of biomass with a death rate of 100% whereas the presence of mycorhizae caused a drop in this rate mortality to 30%. In addition, mycorrhizal fungi stimulate significantly shoot height and biomass and increase the number of leaves per plant. Conclusion: In conclusion, the mycorhization could constitute an important biological means making it possible to fight against the plant external aggressions.