Affiliation:
1. Tel Hai Academic College, Israel
2. Weizmann Institute of Science
Abstract
Abstract
Seedling establishment under natural conditions is limited by numerous interacting factors. Here, we tested the combinatorial effects of drought, herbaceous competition, and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) on the performance of Aleppo pine seedlings grown under shade house conditions. All pine seedlings were strongly dominated by Geopora, a fungal genus known to inoculate seedlings in dry habitats. EMF inoculum significantly increased seedling height, biomass, and the number of side branches. However, under either competition or drought, the positive effect of EMF on seedling biomass and height was greatly reduced, while the effect on shoot branching was maintained. Further, under a combination of drought and competition, EMF had no influence on either plant growth and shape. The discrepancy in pine performance across treatments highlights the complexity of benefits provided to seedlings by EMF under ecologically relevant settings.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
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