*4.2.6 Storage room*

*Mycorrhizal Fungi - Utilization in Agriculture and Forestry*

new seeds as explained above (3.1.1).

*4.2.2 In vitro multiplication room*

*4.2.3 Drying and conditioning room*

*4.2.4 AMF strain isolation room*

in alphabetical order of cultures is also recommended.

much as possible.

In addition, heat is partly assured by sun rays paired with artificial means, such as circulating steam, hot water, or hot air. Ventilating system is also needed [43, 44]. For low coast, the ventilation must be assured by roof openings and large windows on the side, which can functioned mechanically or automatically. In some conditions, if a financial condition allows automatic ventilation system is installed. For the AMF multiplication, trapping culture must be done in pots or in specialized containers. In this setting, trapping cultures are grown for 3 to 4 months to minimize the accumulation of saprophytes in the medium for excessive growth and senescence of the roots. However, culture maintained for more than 5 months and regulated watering is recommended before areal part cutting and replantation of

It represent an aseptic areas separated from the greenhouse and the AMF isolation room in order to avoid any contamination and to control sterility conditions as

This area is located just before the greenhouse; it is used to dry the contents of the pots and containers for later conditioning. Once the trapping plants are ready to be harvested, they are moved to shelves in this area so that they are not exposed to light. Drying take about 2 to 3 weeks. After this period, the roots of the trapping plants are cut and mixed with a suitable substrate. Conditioning AMF inocula begins by placing the cultures in sealed bags. These bags are provided with codes written both on the surface and on labels affixed to the upper left corner of the crops so that they are easily identified when stacking. In addition, an organization

Isolation room is completely isolated from all plant growing areas and the use of unsterilized soil is strictly prohibited. Isolation is practiced as follows: The contents of the dried pots are installed on grounds. The isolation of the spores from the sample is done by wet sieving method [28]. This technic of isolation is practiced in order to produce bio-fertilizer containing AMF spores. In addition isolated AMF strains are conserved in order to develop further research. During the AMF isolation process, a series of precautions must be observed, especially disinfection of surface area of isolation, tables and shelves with draying after cleaning. Asepsis is main condition for the success of this crucial stage of the AMF bio-fertilizer

This space is used for carrying a series of bio-fertilizer control tests. These tests

include AMF spores count with microscopic examination, evaluation of AMF root colonization rate and elaboration of must probable number test. AMF spores number must vary between 10 and 15 pots per day. Once extracted, the spores are transported in glass Petri dishes and stored in the laboratory refrigerator. Indeed, the examination is carried out by a stereo microscope on the day of the extraction. The information thus retrieved is stored in a database and all written notes are

**88**

production.

*4.2.5 Control room*

The storage is done at an atmosphere of 4°C at the level of the shelves of metal racks. These are characterized by mesh surfaces to optimize air circulation and facilitating their cleaning. The racks are placed in the center of the room and equipped with wheels to facilitate their movement. The storage period can reach a maximum of 3 years [4]. Bio-fertilizer storage process requires certain recommendations mainly: bag surface and their labels must be cleaned and disinfected before they are placed in this room. Floors and shelves are regularly disinfected. AMF bio-fertilizer product should be stored in a corner of the laboratory where the air temperature is not detrimental to the viability of AMF propagules.
