A greenhouse study was conducted to investigate the impact of intercrops on the mycorrhizal symbiosis development, growth and nutrient uptake of banana. Groundnut and sweet potato were raised as intercrops with banana. The banana in the intercropping system showed higher root colonization in terms of hyphae, Arbuscules and vesicules whatever the crop associated. Intercropping banana with groundnut did not affect banana growth. Contrarily, intercropping banana with sweet potato showed negative

more »

... fects on banana growth. The concentration of minerals in banana shoot was affected by intercrops species. There was no interspecific competition between banana and groundnut for N and K uptake. However, P was negatively affected in banana shoot. N and P concentration was reduced in banana co-cultivated with sweet potato. These results show that intercropping can be used to improve mycorrhizal symbiosis activity in banana plantations. Moreover the choice of companion crops is the key for successful application of the system. K e y w o r d s Intercropping, Mycorrhizal symbiosis, growth, nutrient uptake, banana.