Abstract :
The discovery of root nodules on healthy Shea tree seedlings revealed the
mutualistic associations between root nodules, arbuscular mycorrhiza fungus
Acaulospora scrobiculatu and the host plant. The root was transversally sectioned to illustrate its structure, detect the presence of mycorrhiza colonization, intact cells of healthy tissues, impact of the mycorrhiza on host tissue and changes resulting from presence of the colonization. The root with mycorrhiza application was thicker and bigger when compared to the control treatment. The anatomical study revealed that the root contains epidemis, exodemis, cortex, early metaxylem and the pith. The nodule contains fungus hyphae which were seen growing outward and inward of the host without causing damage to the host cells. This mycorrhiza colonization resulted
in enlargement of the host cells possibly to facilitate and improve the nutritional uptake of both partners.
Keyword :
Colonization, Mycorrhiza, Root, Section, Shea tree.