Management of ectomycorrhizal symbionts associated to useful exotic tree species to improve reforestation performances in tropical Africa

• The objective of this review was to summarize scientific data on the symbiotic status of exotic tree species useful in tropical Africa, and to update reports about their growth improvement through microbial inoculations, especially ectomycorrhizal symbionts. • The studies reviewed microbial symbionts associated to exotic tree species belonging to Myrtaceae, Pinaceae, Casuarinaceae and Leguminosae. In their native areas, these trees are associated either with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi (e.g. Pinaceae) or both ECM and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (e.g. Eucalyptus), or sometimes as in Casuarina and Acacia with three coexisting symbionts (nitrogen fixing bacteria, ECM and AM fungi). In their new habitats, using highly efficient mycorrhizal fungi, controlled mycorrhization experiments have pointed out the importance of root symbionts in establishment and growth of exotic tree species such exotic pines or Australian acacias. • Since the challenge in sylviculture and reforestation was to determine the best compromise between symbiotic compatibility and efficiency of both partners under local soil constraints, further researches have to be encouraged to elucidate the complexity of these tree symbioses in terms of diversity, interaction and effectiveness of their symbiotic partners for their better exploitation in reforestation programmes.