A Convenient Method for Inoculating Dipterocarp Seedlings with the Ectomycorrhizal FungusScleroderma columnare

Abstract

Mycorrhizas are symbiotic associations between specialized root-inhabiting fungi and living roots of plants. Ectomycorrhizal colonization alters the niche structure of host plants by increasing their capacity for nutrient acquisition (Allen 1991). It is well known that phosphate uptake of the host trees is enhanced by excretion of organic acids from ectomycorrhizas (Mejstrik and Krause 1973, Ho and Zak 1979, Lapeyrie et al. 1987, Iwase 1991), for instance, and that ectomycorrhizal fungi usually promote nitrogen uptake of the host plants (Plassard et al. 1994). Both phosphate and nitrogen are essential nutrients for plants, which require them for carbon gain, growth and other critical life processes (Evans 1983). Recent studies have revealed that various other microorganisms such as bacteria (Garbaye 1994) and soil fauna also help mobilize nutrients in the mycorrhizosphere (Setala 1995). Furthermore, water uptake of host plants is promoted by mycorrhiza through the huge mycelial surface area that develops (Duddridge et al. 1980). Thus, clear differences should exist in niche nutrition status between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants growing in the same place (Allen 1991).