The endomycorrhizal fungal species and their effects on the growth and nutrient characteristics of Eucalyptus maidenii seedlings in China

Abstract

Eucalyptus maidenii plantations are typically fertilized to increase the yields of eucalyptus oil and timber. However, the application of chemical fertilizers is costly and can cause environmental pollution and soil erosion. Mycorrhiza fungi can facilitate the cultivation of optimal seedlings while promoting the growth of trees. To date, investigations into the inoculation of endomycorrhizal fungi to enhance the productivity of E. maidenii in Yunnan, China have not been undertaken. The species/dominant species of endomycorrhizal fungi on E. maidenii in Yunnan were isolated and identified. The effect of endomycorrhizal fungi on E. maidenii was elucidated. The major species of endomycorrhizal fungi that affect E. maidenii were ascertained. Bulk soil was collected from an E. maidenii plantation, and the species of endomycorrhizal fungi were investigated. The effect of the endomycorrhizal fungi on E. maidenii were analyzed via a single factor experimental design, where the number of spores of endomycorrhizal fungi in the seedling substrate were controlled. The major endomycorrhizal fungi species that affected E. maidenii were ascertained via stepwise regression analysis. Five endomycorrhizal fungal species were isolated from the bulk soil, with the dominant being Glomus aggregatum and Glomus mosseae. With higher counts of endomycorrhizal fungal spores in the seedling substrate, the infection rate and intensity of seedlings were observed to increase, as well as the NPK concentrations of the bulk soil. With the increased nitrogen concentration in the bulk soil, the nitrogen concentration of the aerial components of the seedlings also increased. The NPK concentrations in the bulk soil and seedlings, the second order lateral roots, the root activity, and the seedling height were significantly promoted by the presence of endomycorrhizal fungi (the third experimental treatment). The NPK concentrations of the bulk soil and seedlings, as well as the growth indices of seedlings increased through endomycorrhizal fungi inoculation. The major species of the endomycorrhizal fungi on E. maidenii were G. aggregatum, Glomus multicaule, and Claroideoglomus etunicatum.