Mycorrhization, establishment and growth of outplanted Picea abies seedlings produced under different cultivation systems

Abstract

In forest nurseries seedlings are commonly produced using different cultivation systems which may have a profound effect on the extent of root colonisation by ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi and, consequently, on subsequent performance of the outplanted seedlings under field conditions. In this study, we compare effects of bare-root and containerised cultivation systems on mycorrhization, establishment and growth of nursery-produced Picea abies. One hectare experimental plantation was established on poor fertility sandy site. In total, 1250 seedlings of each treatment were planted in rows as ten individual replicates. The results of this study showed that production of P. abies seedlings using containerised system can yield abundant ECM colonisation of seedling roots and significantly improve seedling survival in the field. Some reduction in height increment may occur during the first years as a possible cost for support of ECMs. Study demonstrated that selection of proper cultivation system might result in similar or higher mycorrhization and survival rates of outplanted seedlings than achieved by expensive and laborious artificial mycorrhization.

Ectomycorrhizae and tree seedling nitrogen nutrition in forest restoration

“…While the fungus may receive up to 22 % of total plant carbohydrate allocation (Hobbie 2006) and form a stronger sink for C than plant growth during the early establishment of the symbiosis (Menkis et al 2011), there is strong evidence that ECM improve survival, establishment and growth of seedlings in forest plantations over the long term. Lists of the beneficial effects for the plant of ECM partnership include: improved uptake of water and nutrients, particularly nutrients with low diffusion rates or that occur in complex forms; increased root longevity and growth; protection of roots against drought, high temperatures, pathogens, heavy metals, alkalinity and salts; and improved soil aggregation (Davey 1990;Menkis et al 2011).…”

Role of Microorganisms in Plant Nutrition and Health

“…P i transferred to host tissue in excised beech ECM is through active transport by the sheath hyphae (Bücking and Heyser 2003). Growth responses following seedling inoculation under controlled conditions with beneficial ECM fungi like Pisolithus and Rhizopogon species have been repeatedly observed (Menkis et al 2011). Plant growth responses have been extensively studied using different ECM mushrooms, viz., Tuber, Lactarius, Laccaria, Scleroderma, Cenoccocum, Thelephora, Cantharellus, Paxillus, Amanita, Hebeloma, Suillus, etc.…”

“…Plant growth responses have been extensively studied using different ECM mushrooms, viz., Tuber, Lactarius, Laccaria, Scleroderma, Cenoccocum, Thelephora, Cantharellus, Paxillus, Amanita, Hebeloma, Suillus, etc. (Menkis et al 2011). Although ECMs are commonly assumed to enhance water uptake by their hosts, few researchers have addressed this experimentally.…”

“…whereas others (Hg, Cd, Pb, etc. ) are not required at all and toxic even in low concentration (Menkis et al 2011). The hyphae of ECM are known to contain vacuolar polyphosphates which are known to absorb toxic metals and help plants adapt to pollutants.…”

Does stump removal affect early growth and mycorrhizal infection of spruce (Picea abies) seedlings in clear-cuts?

“…Seedlings can get mycorrhizal infection already in the nurseries without inoculation (e.g. Menkis et al, 2011). Flykt et al (2008) concluded that the natural mycorrhizal colonisation of Norway spruce in some Finnish nurseries was rather high, 50Á60%, whilst in others it was negligible.…”