Morphological pattern of colonization by mycorrhizal fungi and the microbial activity observed in Barbados cherry crops

ABSTRACT: Our objective was to evaluate the morphological pattern of colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as well as to study the microbiological activity of the soil on family farms where Barbados cherry was cultivated. Soil and root samples were selected from four areas in the municipality of Maranguape-CE where Barbados cherry was grown, which were named according to the age of plants in the following manner: A1-3, A2-3, and A3-3 (3 years), and A4-2 (2 years). After sampling, the arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization, morphological colonization pattern, basal soil respiration (SBR), and density of mycorrhizal spores (DS) were analyzed. The Paris-type morphological pattern was predominant in the root system of Barbados cherry; the affinity of this pattern in the culture was clear. Time of installation and management of Barbados cherry orchards in family farming areas promoted reduction in SBR. P levels in the soil may have negatively influenced root colonization and density of mycorrhizal spores.