Ectomycorrhizal Inoculation of Containerized <I>Pinus nigra</I> Seedlings with Four Isolates of <I>Laccaria laccata</I>

Abstract

Four isolates of Ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria laccata (Scop. Ex. Fr) Berk et Br. Were inoculated on to containerized Pinus nigra V.Corsicana seedlings to detect ecotypic variation in percentage of root colonization and effects on seedlings growth. All isolates formed well developed ectomycorrhizae with the per cent of short roots colonized from 28 to 55 per cent, Total ectomycorrhizal short roots did not differ between any inoculation treatments regardless of fungus isolates. Macroscopically, the smooth, pale orange-brown mycorrhizae with occasional lavender tints were indistinguishable between the isolates. Few significant differences occurred between isolates of Laccaria spp. regarding their growth promotional effects. Acceleration of seedling growth under the influence of different isolates varied with selective stimulation of TOP growth more than root growth.