DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2026.v14i10.008

Pages: 710-723

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are valuable biological resources for developing indigenous inocula adapted to local agroecological conditions. This study evaluated the suitability of maize (Zea mays L.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.), onion (Allium cepa L.), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) as trap plants for the multiplication of indigenous AMF resources, with a view to subsequent inoculum production. These plant species were grown in the presence of an indigenous inoculum, while non-inoculated plants served as controls. Root colonization frequency and intensity were assessed at 45 and 75 days after sowing (DAS), and AMF spore density in the substrate was determined at 75 DAS. At 45 DAS, all inoculated plants exhibited root colonization, whereas no colonization was detected in the controls. Colonization frequency did not differ significantly among plant species, while colonization intensity was significantly higher in cowpea than in onion. At 75 DAS, neither colonization frequency nor intensity differed significantly among the four species. AMF spores were detected in the substrate of all inoculated pots, with no significant differences in spore density among plant species. Across trap plants, mean colonization frequency increased significantly from 14.19% at 45 DAS to 58.75% at 75 DAS, while mean colonization intensity increased from 2.78% to 21.13%. Neither the trap-plant effect nor the trap plant × time interaction was significant. Overall, all four species supported the establishment and development of indigenous AMF colonization and were associated with detectable AMF spores after 75 days. However, no species showed a clear advantage over the others. Maize, cowpea, onion, and lettuce can therefore be considered potential trap plants for the multiplication of indigenous AMF resources prior to inoculum production. Further studies should characterize AMF community diversity before and after trap culture and assess the effectiveness of the resulting inocula.