Effect of different microflora on the success of ectomycorrhizal inoculation of Pinusradiata

Abstract

Seedlings of Pinusradiata D. Don. were grown in containers in three autoclaved soils and inoculated with three ectomycorrhizal fungi: Rhizopogonluteolus Fr. and Nord., Paxillusinvolutus Batsh. ex Fr., or Hebelomacrustuliniforme Quélet. General soil microfloras from four soils were added and ectomycorrhizal infection was assessed at 3 and at 4 months. Infection was enhanced or impeded by the soil microfloras, depending largely on the soil on which the plants were grown and on the mycorrhizal fungus. Enhancement of infection by added microflora was more frequent than reduction. The results are discussed in the context of mycorrhizal inoculation in forest nurseries.