Observations on the Mycorrhizas of Forest Trees. II. The Rhizosphere of Pinus Radiata D. Don

Abstract

Two common mycorrhiza types of Pinus radiata were examined by light and electron microscopy. Large numbers of bacteria and fungal species other than those forming the mycorrhiza as well as diatoms were observed in the mycorrhizosphere. Different morphological types of bacteria were characteristic of different mycorrhizal types, and in some cases the bacteria were associated with lysed regions of the mantle. The distribution of the bacteria within the rhizosphere is discussed in relation to the clay minerals and the carbohydrate and polyphenol metabolisms of the host.