Synthesis in Growth Pouches of Mycorrhizae Between Eucalyptus pilularis and Several Strains of Pisolithus tinctorius

Abstract

Eucalypt mycorrhizae were synthesized in non-sterile plastic growth pouches. Mycorrhizae occurred on second-order roots 6-9 days after inoculation of seedlings. External morphology and internal anatomy of mycorrhizae are similar to those produced in soil. The growth pouch is particularly useful for observing the development of mycorrhizae and sampling tissues of known ectomycorrhizae without disturbing the root system. For these reasons, as well as the rapidity of ectomycorrhizal synthesis, this method represents an important advance in technology. Five strains of Pisolithus tinctorius were tested in growth pouches and found to form ectomycorrhizae with Eucalyptus pilularis.