Synthesis of Ectomycorrhizae on Container-Grown Oak Seedlings

Abstract

Abstract Growth and ectomycorrhizal development of container-grown black (Quercus velutina) and white (Q. alba) oak seedlings innoculated with Pisolithus tinctorius were studied in relation to growth-medium moisture, temperature, fertility, and fungal inoculum density. Daily watering of seedling growth medium suppressed ectomycorrhizal development. Colonization of seedling root systems by P. tinctorius increased with increasing growth medium temperature up to 87°F. Weekly fertilization of seedlings with a 375 ppm NPK solution did not adversely affect ectomycorrhizal development, while a 750 ppm NPK solution depressed infection. Ectomycorrhizal colonization success was partially influenced by fungal inoculum density. Results indicate the need to alter seedling cultural practices when producing ectomycorrhizal oaks in an artificial growth medium in containers.1