Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in Two Cannabis Varieties (Khardala and Critical) in Morocco

Abstract

The richness of the soil in beneficial and growth-stimulating microorganisms and their symbiotic interactions with plants is a factor to be discovered. This kind of relationships is still poorly studied in cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.). The endomycorrhizal status of cannabis was assessed in two cannabis varieties (Khardala and Critical) cultivated in the Taounate region located in northern Morocco. Soil samples collected from the rhizospheric soil of two cannabis parcels of khardala and critical were studied using the wet sieving method. Rhizospher soil of khardala presents a sporal density of 200 spores / 100 g of soil and a combinaison of 12 different AMF species divided morphologically into 6 genera predominated by Glomus and Funneliformis. In the other hand, 243 spores per 100 g of soil were noted in association with critical variety, the endomycorrhizal fungi community was represented by 15 species of 6 genera predominated by Glomus. Contrary to expectations, cannabis is found to be mycorrhized, this symbiotic association can be exploited in the soon future to develop profitability and cope with different types of stress.