Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have emerged as a promising and environmentally friendly solution for sustainable agriculture, offering a reduction in dependence on chemical inputs. The objective of this greenhouse experiment was to assess the efficacy of a natural endomycorrhizal inoculum obtained from leek root fragments, which acted as a trap plant to capture indigenous fungal spores present in the soil of the Guercif region in Morocco. The investigation aimed to comprehensively evaluate the influence of this inoculum on various parameters related to tomato plant growth, yield, and sensory quality. Additionally, different levels of chemical fertilizers, equivalent to 50%, 75%, and 100% of the recommended dosage, were administered in combination with or without the inoculum. The findings elucidated significant advantages associated with mycorrhizal inoculation. The plants subjected to inoculation exhibited increased plant height, augmented leaf and root dry weights, and improved nutrient uptake compared to the control group. Notably, tomato plants treated with 75% of the recommended chemical fertilizer dosage yielded the highest crop production, with no statistically significant difference observed when compared to those receiving the full dosage (100%). Intriguingly, tomato plants grown in substrates receiving 50% chemical fertilizers demonstrated the highest levels of mycorrhization, exhibiting a frequency (F) of 100% and an intensity (M) of 63%. Importantly, the combination of inoculation with a reduced dose of NPK fertilizer (50% of the recommended amount) resulted in significantly elevated concentrations of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and phosphorus (P) in the plants, attributable to the heightened mycorrhizal colonization of the roots. In terms of fruit characteristics, no significant variations were detected in pH and electrical conductivity (EC) among the treatment groups. However, the inoculated plants exhibited a notable increase in the Brix index, an indicator of sweetness, compared to the control group across all fertilizer doses. Furthermore, inoculation positively influenced the levels of total carotenoids in the fruits. Remarkably, the values of these compounds in the inoculated plants subjected to 50% of the recommended fertilizer dosage surpassed those recorded in the non-inoculated plants receiving the full dosage.

Root endophytic fungi are the crucial microscopic organisms who make association with fruit trees and shurbs. Vesicular mycorrhizal fungi promote a better absorption of soil nutrient by plants due to mycelial network who facilitate carbon ; sugar ; water and mineral elements. A lot of plant species present fungal symbiosis. In addition to that mycorrhiza presence is based on numerous determinant such as soil characteristics and climate conditions. Metallic trace elements pollution is considered one of the most dangerous issues on the world because of the non-degradable nature of metallic trace elements and their potential to enhance serious problems on human health ; agriculture and animals. Moreover, metallic trace element, notably in Significant concentrations harmful effect on plants growth, microscopic organisms and soil properties as pH. Numerous plant species coexist symbiotically with (AMF), which have the capacity to clean up metallic trace elements (MTE) -polluted soils and enhance a lot of soil functions. Furthermore, AMF are associated with improvements in plant growth and resistance to (MTE) stress, under scoring their importance for ecological restoration and food security. This study was carried out to highlight mycorrhizae and their importance in the process of purifying polluted soils.

This study, carried out in the eastern region of Morocco, aims to valorize and isolate indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from four soils (Guercif, Zaïo, Berkane and Bouarg). These strains, which are adapted to the harsh climatic and soil conditions of the region, were capturedand propagated using two host plants (Allium porrum and Hordeum vulgare). A multistage protocol was used for the isolation and propagation of AMF. Results showed that mycorrhizal colonization of leek roots during trapping was highest in Guercif soil, reaching 90 and 70% mycorrhizal frequency and intensity, respectively, while Berkane soil had the lowest values. This trend was also observed in barley, but with lower colonization values than in leeks. The evaluation of AMF richness revealed a higher abundance of AMF species in the rhizospheres of leek roots than in those of barley. The first propagation of AMF strains allowed the maintenance of certain species, but the second step led to the loss of some of these species. However, the third propagation step preserved all AMF stains. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of these indigenous AMF species in the field and under different environmental conditions. The application of these indigenous AMF species as biofertilizers could offer significant benefits for the promotion of sustainable agriculture in Moroccan ecosystems.