As a novel approach to protect yam seed material against pathogens, the proposed project assesses the occurrence and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in two African countries.

Soil samples that include AMF communities will be collected jointly by Flemish researchers and researchers from the provider country. The material will be used to analyse soil chemical parameters (pH, organic carbon, and phosphate content). Also, AMF spores will be isolated and identified.

The screening of AMF isolated for their potential to improve yam growth will be carried out in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Benin.

Techniques include soil sieving to collect fungi spores, species identification based on morphological characterization and molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Part of the screening will be carried out in Belgium.

AMF cultures will be sent to IITA for future uses.