Objectif This multidisciplinary research project aims to identify fast growing tree species and their associated microsymbionts which perform functions and produce materials of immediate benefit to rural populations. Growth of native Sahelian and exotic Nz fixing and non-N2 fixing trees will be compared in existing 9 and 14 year-old replicated and blocked trials in Senegal and on similar replicated existing stands in Cameroun. Soils beneath each species will be sampled to a depth of 1m to assess soil amelioration and to 2m for root distribution. The latter will enable potential root competition with crop plants to be assessed. Estimates of nutrient removal through wood and fodder harvesting will give insight into nutrient budgets and long term sustainability. Molecular biological techniques, RFLP, PCR, RAPDS etc. will be used to identify and characterise strains and species of Rhizobium originating in differing regions of the Sahel. These will be inoculated onto seedlings and their effectiveness in N2 fixation and growth promotion will be assessed. Molecular methods will be used to assess the competitiveness and persistence of selected inoculants after planting in the field and to characterise genetic variation in Acacia senegal to seek molecular markers involved in host/symbiont signalling systems. Similarly, molecular markers for fast growth and N2 fixation will be sought among the strains of Rhizobium. Stable isotope techniques will be used to assess N2 fixation and water use efficiency. The suggestion that VA and ectomycorrhizas influence results of ô15N nitrogen fixation estimates, will be investigated. Water use will be monitored using neutron probe and sap-flow measuring systems. The effects of competition induced light reduction on photosynthesis and hence on N2 fixation will be assessed. Champ scientifique natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagricultureindustrial cropsfoddersocial scienceseconomics and businesseconomicssustainable economynatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbotany Programme(s) FP3-STD 3 - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of the life sciences and technologies for developing countries, 1990-1994 Thème(s) Data not available Appel à propositions Data not available Régime de financement CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinateur NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse c/o Bush Estate EH26 0QB PENICUIK Royaume-Uni Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Participants (5) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire Institut Français de Recherche Scientifique pour le Développement en Coopération (ORSTOM) France Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 213 rue Lafayette 75480 Paris Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles Sénégal Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Route des Pères-Maristes Dakar Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Office National de Développement des Fôrets Cameroun Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Mbalmayo Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE Royaume-Uni Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Nethergate DD1 4HN DUNDEE Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée University of Helsinki Finlande Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 9,Viikinkaari 00014 Helsinki Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée