Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal (AMF) Inoculum Production Training - Report

Abstract

Summary The Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungal inoculum production training was conducted from the 12th November – 17th November 2018. The aim of the training was to build capacity in methods of inoculum production. According to the background of the participants, the training programme activities were tailored to meet this objective. The training therefore focused on methods of AMF propagule diagnosis and AMF colonization, which form the basis of inoculum production and evaluation for effectiveness. This was then followed by methods of inoculum production, assessment of inoculum vigor, and exposure to methods of application and storage. Throughout the training, biosaftey was stressed with the following measures emphasized: laboratory handling of chemicals (dyes) and equipment (Microscope, centrifuge and autoclave). The mode of training was through lectures, practical’s and demonstration sessions. The activities undertaken are classified into six major sessions: (1) Introductory session on mycorrhzal symbiosis (2) characteristics of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (3) AMF Inoculants (4) practical session on Root clearing, staining and observation (5) practical training on Spore extraction, distinguishing spores under stereo-microscope, mounting and observation under compound microscope (6) AMF Culture initiation and inoculum production: trap cultures, spore and root cultures.