The use of mycorrhizae in production of clonal seedlings of superior teak, a prospective tree species for increasing agroforestry system productivity

Abstract

Abstract Agroforestry system which consisted of Teak as the main tree component has been widely established in Java. Teak is selected because it produces luxurious wood. The demand of Teak wood increases continuously, therefore Superior Teak becomes fascinating. Seedlings of selected Superior Teaks can be obtained through clonal propagation. The growth of Teak Clonal seedlings can be improved further by application of mycorrhizal fungi which help roots to obtain essential nutrition and water. This study aimed to determine the relationship between root biomass and mycorrhizal fungal colonization with growth of the seedlings. This study used four selected Teak clones (WG1, WG2, F71, and D15). Shoot plantlets were planted on cocopeat: rice husk charcoal mixture (1:1 v/v) in polybags and inoculated with soil containing mycorrhizal spores. Growth parameters were measured fortnightly. Four months after mycorrhizal inoculum application, the plants were harvested and assessed for lateral root number and length and biomass dry weight. Sample of roots were stained with 0.05 % tryphan blue lactoglycerol and assessed for mycorrhizal infection. The results showed that survival and rooting rates varied among clones, ranging from 45-83% and 23-63%, respectively. In the nursery condition, growth of all clonal seedlings was strongly correlated with mycorrhizal colonization varied between positive and negative correlation. The correlation varied among clones, being the greatest at clone WG1, D15, F71 and the least at clone WG 2. The growth and productivity of the selected superior teak in the agroforestry system may be enhanced by application of suitable mycorrhizal inoculum.