Recent advances in mycorrhiza and its potential in forestry development in Kenya; a paper presented at the first annual Conference.

Abstract

Most forest tree species form either ectotrophic and/or endotrophic mycorrhiza association which are beneficial to their growth. Endomycorrhiza however predorminate in tropical forests. Preliminary studies on endomycorrhiza research have been initiated in KEFRI. Failures in tree survival and establiShment can be major constraits to both plantation forestry and afforestation especially in Semi-arid areas dee to aridity. One possibility of enhancing this is through exploitation of tree mycorrhiza symbiosis. Recent studies on ectomycorrhiza of E. caribaea have shown that inoculation of seedlings improves their survival and growth. Among the tree species that form mycorrhiza associations are some important timber species, nitrogen fixing trees useful for agroforestry and those from arid zones that can be useful for afforestation purposes. Due to this importance of mycorrhiza to tree growth there is great potential for mycorrhiza research in forestry development.