Mise en évidence des spores de champignons mycorhiziens dans les sols salins de la région de Terga, wilaya d'Aïn Témouchent.

Abstract

Soil salinization is one of the major environmental constraints affecting natural ecosystems and agricultural production worldwide. This phenomenon leads to the deterioration of soil physicochemical and biological properties, resulting in reduced plant growth and productivity. In this context, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) represent a promising biological strategy due to their ability to enhance nutrient uptake, water acquisition, and plant tolerance to abiotic stresses, particularly salinity. The present study was conducted in the Terga region (Aïn Témouchent Province, Algeria) and aimed to characterize the physicochemical properties of the soil and to assess its mycorrhizal potential through the detection of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with Salicornia spp. . Physicochemical analyses revealed an alkaline soil pH ranging from 8.27 to 8.83 and an electrical conductivity varying between 2.68 and 3.78 dS m−1, indicating moderate saline conditions. Microscopic examination of stained roots confirmed the presence of characteristic mycorrhizal structures, demonstrating root colonization by AMF. Spore extraction and observation revealed an active mycorrhizal potential, with a higher spore density in rhizospheric soil compared to bare soil. The highest spore density reached 131 spores in rhizospheric soil versus 52 spores in bare soil. The results indicate that the saline soils of Terga harbor active mycorrhizal communities capable of establishing symbiotic associations with Salicornia spp. despite harsh environmental conditions. This symbiosis may contribute significantly to the adaptation of halophytic plants to saline environments and could represent a valuable biological resource for the restoration and sustainable management of degraded saline soils.