Microorganisms perform important functions in the soil and, among these organisms, the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in plant growth should be highlighted. AMF colonize the roots of most plant species and their beneficial functions in plant development include increased absorption of nutrients from the soil, especially those of low mobility such as phosphorus (P). Evaluating agricultural practices conducted by farmers, such as phosphate fertilization, and observing how they will influence AMF activity in benefiting plant growth should be prioritized. Thus, an experiment was conducted in greenhouse to evaluate the effect of phosphate fertilization on the growth of cowpea plants colonized by AMF and to know which morphological pattern of colonization prevails in their roots. Five P doses and a control treatment, without fertilization, were added to the soil. Cowpea plants respond to phosphate fertilization up to the dose of 240.50 mg P kg -1 soil, for shoot dry mass and in the dose of 150 mg P kg -1 soil, for plant height. The morphological pattern observed in the roots was the intermediate type, characterized by the presence of intra and intercellular hyphae and vesicles, and there was no influence of phosphate fertilization on morphology. High P contents added to the soil led to a reduction in mycorrhizal colonization in cowpea roots.The morphological pattern of AMF colonization has been classified as Arum, Paris and intermediate, the latter of which has structures of the first two types. The Paris type has intracellular hyphae, some of which are coiled, and is common in forest plants, whereas the Arum type has intracellular arbuscule and intercellular hypha, present especially in cultivated herbaceous plants. Although the factors influencing the formation of the morphological pattern of mycorrhizal association have not been fully clarified, there is evidence of the importance of this plant species and AMF species in the formation of the predominant pattern in the plant (Dickson, 2004).Nevertheless, it is important to know which morphological pattern of AMF colonization is developing in the host plant because the ability of the fungus to colonize and provide nutrients, such as P, may differ depending on the type of morphological pattern that will develop in the root. Considering the context presented, this study aimed to evaluate the growth and morphological pattern of AMF colonization in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.)] plants cultivated in soil with increasing P doses.