Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on growth and formation of ectomycorrhizae of Quercus alba and Q. rubra seedlings by Pisolithus tinctorius and Scleroderma auranteum

Abstract

The percentage of ectomycorrhizal short roots on Quercus alba and Q. rubra inoculated with Pisolithus tinctorius followed a nearly matching pattern among fertilizer treatments, supporting the hypothesis that there may be an optimal amount of N or P for maximum mycorrhizal formation. Several cycles of low and high fertilizations could produce well-balanced seedlings with adequate growth and percentage of ectomycorrhizal short roots for planting.