Publication: Ectomycorrhizal fungi of forest trees in West Africa

Ectomycorrhizal symbiosis, a natural phenomenon dating back some 250 million years, results from a mutualistic association between the mycelium of a soil fungus and the roots of a host plant. In this partnership, the fungus mobilizes nutrients from the soil—particularly phosphorus—for the benefit of the host plant. In return, the fungus receives carbon from the host plant that it is unable to produce itself. The symbiosis provides undeniable added value to both partners. It is thus at the heart of research aimed at optimizing reforestation and the rehabilitation of degraded soils, as well as combating desertification. This book presents a synthesis of research on ectomycorrhizal fungi conducted by the IRD and its partners in West Africa. In addition to fundamental data on the diversity and ecology of the symbiosis, this book describes methods for studying fungi, particularly controlled mycorrhization techniques, a silvicultural practice used for the production of forest seedlings. It is intended for a broad audience (students, researchers, educators, environmental managers, and policymakers) and serves as an up-to-date reference on ectomycorrhizal symbiosis and its impact on West African forest ecosystems.