Salinity effects on germination,growth, and seed production of the halophyte Cakile maritima

The growth ofEucalyptus regnans seedlings in forest soil is enhanced when it has been air-dried. In undried forest soil seedlings grow poorly and develop purple coloration in the foliage, indicating P deficiency. This paper reports the results of pot experiments designed to investigate the relationship between growth and P acquisition, ectomycorrhizal infection and age of seedlings grown in air-dried and undried soil. The effect on seedling growth of their inoculation with air-dried or undried soil or with ectomycorrhizal roots from plants growing in air-dried or undried soil was also investigated. Ectomycorrhizal root tips were detected in 3-week-oldE. regnans seedlings in both air-dried and undried soil, and from then on the frequency of ectomycorrhizal root tips increased rapidly. In air-dried soil, seedlings were fully ectomycorrhizal at 9 weeks, and the occurrence of maximum ectomycorrhizal infection coincided with enhanced P acquisition and the initiation of rapid seedling growth. In undried forest soil, seedling growth remained poor, even though the seedlings had well-developed ectomycorrhizae and the incidence of ectomycorrhizal root tips was the same as in air-dried soil. The dominant ectomycorrhizae in airdried soil were associated with an ascomycete fungus, whereas in undried, undisturbed soil they were commonly associated with basidiomycete fungi. Inoculation of sterile soil/sand mix with washed ectomycorrhizal roots from air-dried soil increased the P acquisition and growth of the seedlings significantly compared with controls, whereas ectomycorrhizal inocula from undried soil had no effect on seedling growth, although both inocula resulted in a similar incidence of ectomycorrhizal root tips. Similarly, addition of a small amount of air-dried soil into sterile soil/sand mix resulted in a significantly greater increase in the P content and dry weight of the seedlings, compared with the control, than addition of undried soil. In both treatments, the incidence of ectomycorrhial root tips was similar. As (i) the differentiation in seedling growth between air-dried and undried soil occurred after seedlings became ectomycorrhizal, (ii) the dominant ectomycorrhizae in air-dried soil were different from those in undried soil, and (iii) inocula from air-dried soil, but not from undried soil, stimulated seedling growth in sterile soil/sand mix, it is concluded that development of particular ectomycorrhizae may be involved in seedling growth stimulation and enhanced P acquisition associated with air drying of forest soil.     

接种彩色豆马勃对模拟酸沉降下马尾松幼苗生物量的影响

外生菌根能够提高宿主植物对外界环境胁迫的抵抗力,促进植物的生长,本文试图揭示外生菌根对酸雨胁迫下马尾松生长的保护作用。本研究采用盆栽试验,共设置四个处理：酸雨对照处理（Control check (CK), 约pH值5.5）不接种,酸雨对照处理接种,酸雨pH值3.5处理不接种,酸雨pH值3.5处理接种。pH值3.5的酸雨处理降低马尾松的生物量,在试验前期降低根冠比,试验中后期则提高根冠比,在试验初期增加了叶面积,但中后期显著降低了叶面积。接种外生菌根菌有利于马尾松幼苗的生长,pH值3.5处理下接种外生菌根菌能提高马尾松幼苗的生物量,外生菌根菌对生物量分配和叶面积的影响与酸雨胁迫的影响是相反的,即外生菌根菌抵消了酸雨胁迫对马尾松的影响。     

The effect of regeneration burns on the growth,nutrient acquisition and mycorrhizae of Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell. (mountain ash) seedlings

This study was conducted to compare the effects on the growth of Eucalyptus regnans seedlings of unheated soil and soil heated to different extents (as indicated by soil colour–bright red or black) in burnt logging coupes, and to separate the effects of heating of the soil on direct nutrient availability and on morphotypes and effectiveness of ectomycorrhizae. Burnt soils were collected from three logging coupes burnt 2, 14 and 25 months previously and unbumt soil from adjacent regrowth forests. Compared to unburnt soil, the early seedling growth was stimulated in black burnt soil from all coupes (burnt 2, 14 and 25 months previously). Seedling growth was generally poor in red burnt soil, especially in soil collected 2 months after burning. However, the concentration of extractable P was extremely high in red burnt soil, especially in soil collected 2 months after burning. In black burnt soil, extractable P was increased in soil 2 months after burning, but not in the soils collected 14 or 25 months after burning. However, both total P content and concentration in seedlings were increased in all collections of black burnt soil. Frequency of ectomycorrhizae was high in seedlings grown in all black burnt soils, but the mycorrhizal mantles were poorly developed in seedlings in black burnt soil collected 2 months after burning. Seedlings were also ectomycorrhizal in red burnt soil, except in soil collected 2 months after burning. Fine root inocula from seedlings grown in black burnt soils collected 14 and 25 months after burning significantly stimulated both seedling growth and P uptake compared with the uninoculated control, whereas the fine root inocula from the seedlings grown in all the other soils did not. These results suggest that, in black burnt soil, both direct nutritional changes and changes in the ectomycorrhizae may contribute to seedling growth promotion after regeneration burns. The generally poor seedling growth in red burnt soils is likely to have been due to N deficiency as the seedlings in these soils were yellow-green and the tissue concentrations of N were significantly lower than in other treatments. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Comparisons of ectomycorrhizae on pinyon pines (Pinus edulis; Pinaceae) across extremes of soil type and herbivory

Using field and greenhouse studies, we examined the relationships among pinyon pines (Pinus edulis), their ectomycorrhizal mutualists, and their moth herbivores as a function of soil fertility. We studied two soil types—the ash and cinder soils of the San Francisco volcanic field and nearby sandy loam soils. In the field, pinyons growing in cinders suffered from reduced moisture, negative nitrogen mineralization rates, low phosphate levels, reduced growth, and high moth herbivory relative to pinyons growing in sandy loam. Pinyons growing in cinders also had twofold higher levels of ectomycorrhizal colonization than their noncinder counterparts. Similarly, in the greenhouse, seedlings grown in cinders had higher levels of ectomycorrhizal colonization and greater numbers of ectomycorrhizae than seedlings grown in sandy loam. Seedling shoot growth was significantly enhanced by ectomycorrhizae in both soils. These patterns support three conclusions. First, field and greenhouse studies demonstrated that trees growing in nutrient-poor soils had higher levels of ectomycorrhizal colonization than trees growing in better soils. Second, across soil types, variation in ectomycorrhizal colonization was better predicted by soil fertility than by herbivory. However, herbivory negatively affected ectomycorrhizae in the stressful cinder environment. Third, although mycorrhizae can be parasitic under some conditions, ectomycorrhizae had mutualistic impacts on pinyon seedlings across the environmental extremes we studied.     

水曲柳落叶松根系之间的相互作用研究

 通过水曲柳(Fraxinus mandshurica)和落叶松(Larix gmelinii)两个树种苗木纯栽和混栽试验,在温室条件下研究两树种根系之间的相互作用。结果表明,水曲柳与落叶松混栽使水曲柳细根和粗根生物量比纯栽分别增加47％和46％,叶和茎生物量分别增加30％和48％,同时改变了水曲柳地下部分与地上部分比率,促进了水曲柳细根和叶协调生长。而混栽的落叶松细根和粗根生物量比纯栽分别减少19％和35％左右,叶和茎生物量减少22％和34％,但是落叶松地下部分和地上部分各生物量组分变化不存在显著差异。混栽改变了水曲柳根系的空间分布和根系的形态,导致根系密度和根长度分别增加47％和34％,有利于水曲柳吸收较多的养分和水分,提高其竞争效率。落叶松起到改变土壤环境作用。     

接种外生菌根对辽东栎幼苗生长的影响

 辽东栎（Quercus liaotungensis）是中国特有的栎林树种,也是中国暖温带落叶阔叶林的主要优势树种之一。铆钉菇（Gomphidius viscidus）和臭红菇（Russula foetens）是在自然环境中与其共生形成外生菌根的真菌。在温室花盆中播种辽东栎种子获得辽东栎幼苗,并对幼苗接种铆钉菇和臭红菇合成外生菌根,比较了有菌根和无菌根辽东栎幼苗生长、光合蒸腾特性、氮磷含量的差异。外生菌根对辽东栎幼苗的生长有明显的促进作用,有菌根幼苗的生物量、株高、净光合速率和水分利用效率高于无菌根幼苗,蒸腾速率则相反。有菌根幼苗的氮磷含量分别为无菌根幼苗的1.7倍和2.2倍,外生菌根的合成还改变了氮磷在幼苗器官间的分配比例,与无菌根幼苗相比,有菌根幼苗茎中的氮磷减少,而叶片中的磷显著增加。同时接种铆钉菇和臭红菇的生长促进效果优于单独接种。     

接种外生菌根对辽东栎幼苗生长的影响

辽东栎 (Quercusliaotungensis)是中国特有的栎林树种 ,也是中国暖温带落叶阔叶林的主要优势树种之一。铆钉菇 (Gomphidiusviscidus)和臭红菇 (Russulafoetens)是在自然环境中与其共生形成外生菌根的真菌。在温室花盆中播种辽东栎种子获得辽东栎幼苗 ,并对幼苗接种铆钉菇和臭红菇合成外生菌根 ,比较了有菌根和无菌根辽东栎幼苗生长、光合蒸腾特性、氮磷含量的差异。外生菌根对辽东栎幼苗的生长有明显的促进作用 ,有菌根幼苗的生物量、株高、净光合速率和水分利用效率高于无菌根幼苗 ,蒸腾速率则相反。有菌根幼苗的氮磷含量分别为无菌根幼苗的 1.7倍和 2 .2倍 ,外生菌根的合成还改变了氮磷在幼苗器官间的分配比例 ,与无菌根幼苗相比 ,有菌根幼苗茎中的氮磷减少 ,而叶片中的磷显著增加。同时接种铆钉菇和臭红菇的生长促进效果优于单独接种。     

Drought effects on fine-root and ectomycorrhizal-root biomass in managed Pinus oaxacana Mirov stands in Oaxaca, Mexico

The effects of a severe drought on fine-root and ectomycorrhizal biomass were investigated in a forest ecosystem dominated by Pinus oaxacana located in Oaxaca, Mexico. Root cores were collected during both the wet and dry seasons of 1998 and 1999 from three sites subjected to different forest management treatments in 1990 and assessed for total fine-root biomass and ectomycorrhizal-root biomass. Additionally, a bioassay experiment with P. oaxacana seedlings was conducted to assess the ectomycorrhizal inoculum potential of the soil for each of the three stands. Results indicated that biomasses of both fine roots and ectomycorrhizal roots were reduced by almost 60% in the drought year compared to the nondrought year. There were no significant differences in ectomycorrhizal and fine-root biomass between the wet and dry seasons. Further, the proportion of total root biomass consisting of ectomycorrhizal roots did not vary between years or seasons. These results suggest that both total fine-root biomass and ectomycorrhizal-root biomass are strongly affected by severe drought in these high-elevation tropical pine forests, and that these responses outweigh seasonal effects. Forest management practices in these tropical pine forests should consider the effects of drought on the capacity of P. oaxacana to maintain sufficient levels of ectomycorrhizae especially when there is a potential for synergistic interactions between multiple disturbances that may lead to more severe stress in the host plant and subsequent reductions in ectomycorrhizal colonization.     

Combined effects of loose wood ash and carbon on inorganic N and P, key organisms, and the growth of Norway spruce seedlings and grasses in a pot experiment

The effects of wood ash on the growth of Norway spruce seedlings and grasses, nitrogen and phosphorus leaching, and soil fauna were investigated at two levels of carbon availability in a greenhouse experiment simulating harvested boreal forest. While sucrose-C amendment reduced grass biomass regardless of wood ash by 88%, the shoot and root biomass of spruce seedlings increased by 38% and 370%, respectively. Despite the large variation in above-ground biomass, C addition did not alter the concentration of water extractable ammonium nitrogen in humus, but it counteracted the ash-induced increase in soil phosphate concentration. C addition reduced the proportion of bacterial-feeding nematodes in the nematode community. Wood ash reduced enchytraeid size, but their biomass was not affected. Carbon treatment was crucial for enchytraeids probably because amended pots were moister than controls. Small compensatory grass growth following harvest implied that soil fauna made little nitrogen available to plants in one growing season. The results support the hypothesis that C availability may be an important determinant of nutrient retention, and has the potential to control plant competition in intensively harvested forests.     

Post-fire seedlings of Nothofagus alpina in Southern Chile show strong dominance of a single ectomycorrhizal fungus and a vertical shift in root architecture

We investigated belowground responses of Nothofagus alpina seedlings to post-fire conditions during natural regeneration after a wildfire in Chile, focusing on mycorrhizal community and root architecture. The complete root systems of 2-year-old N. alpina seedlings were extracted from a post-fire site with natural regeneration and compared to roots of seedlings from undisturbed forest nearby. Mycorrhizal morphotype richness was determined in each seedling. Morphometric parameters of tertiary root structure and dry biomass of whole root systems were determined in 5 cm vertical intervals and in four lateral root classes. With 43.5% of colonized vital mycorrhizal root tips, the Basidiomycete Descolea antarctica was the most abundant fungal symbiont on post-fire seedlings. Tertiary root morphology of these seedlings was distinct from control plants and characterized by a deep-reaching tap root with rather evenly distributed lateral branches whereas seedlings from the undisturbed site had shallower root systems with most lateral roots concentrated in the upper soil layers. Post-fire seedlings had more mycorrhizal rootlets and mycorrhiza-bearing third order lateral roots than control plants which was expressed in a 34% higher total root number but only a 10% higher total root biomass, although both values were not statistically significant. A major part of these fine roots in seedlings from burnt forest was found in deeper soil horizons, compared to the seedlings from undisturbed forest. According to our results, post-fire conditions clearly favour Descolea antarctica as an early ectomycorrhizal colonizer of Nothofagus seedlings at the studied site. As no significant changes in soil chemistry could be observed at the burnt site, the deep-reaching tertiary root architecture of these seedlings may be interpreted as a response to other abiotic factors like reduced moisture in surface soil.     

Seasonal ectomycorrhizal fungal biomass development on loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings

Ergosterol, a membrane sterol found in fungi but not in plants, was used to estimate live mycelial biomass in ectomycorrhizae. Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seeds were sown in April 1993 and grown with standard nursery culture practices. Correlations between total seedling ergosterol and visual assessment of mycorrhizal colonization were high during July and August but low as ectomycorrhizal development continued into the growing season. Percentages of mycelial dry weight over lateral roots decreased from 9% in July to 2.5% in November because seedling lateral root dry weight accumulated faster than mycelial dry weight. Total ergosterol per seedling increased from July through February. As lateral root dry weight ceased to increase during winter months, ectomycorrhizal mycelia became the major carbohydrate sink of pine seedlings. No distinctive seasonal pattern of soil ergosterol content was observed. The impact of ectomycorrhizal fungi on plant carbohydrate source-sink dynamics can be quantitatively estimated with ergosterol analysis but not with conventional visual determination.     

多枝柽柳幼苗根系形态及生物量对不同灌溉处理的响应

多枝柽柳(Tamarix ramosissima)是塔里木河下游荒漠河岸林中的优势灌木, 对荒漠河岸植被群落的稳定起着重要作用。该文通过研究多枝柽柳幼苗根系形态对不同灌溉处理的响应, 分析人工水分干扰对多枝柽柳幼苗根系生长的影响。实验设计了侧渗分层和地表灌溉两种给水方式和高灌(50 L∙株 ^-1)、中灌(25 L∙株 ^-1)、低灌(12.5 L∙株 ^-1)三个给水水平, 并在整个生长季节监测每个植株的生物量及根系形态参数。结果显示: 与地表灌溉比较, 侧渗分层的灌溉方式显著提高了细根(0.5 mm < d < 2 mm)长、细根表面积和根系生物量, 并使根系生长至160 cm深度的土层, 大于地表灌溉深度(80-100 cm); 侧渗分层灌溉+高灌的组合促进根系生长的效果最显著(p < 0.05); 侧渗分层灌溉方式下总细根(d < 2 mm)的比根长随着给水量的增加显著增大, 而地表灌溉下比根长无显著变化; 侧渗分层灌溉方式下根冠比总体小于地表灌溉方式, 即侧渗分层灌溉使多枝柽柳地上部分发育较好。因此, 侧渗分层灌溉方式有显著促进多枝柽柳幼苗在生长早期快速发育的效果。     

白桦和落叶松苗木对其纯林土壤养分的生物检测

利用35年生白桦、落叶松纯林土壤分别栽植白桦、落叶松1年生苗木,通过对苗木生长、生物量、叶片养分及土壤养分变化的研究,对两种土壤的肥力进行评价,探讨白桦、落叶松混交林种间互作机制.结果表明:白桦纯林土壤全氮、碱解氮含量显著高于落叶松纯林土壤(P<0.05),落叶松纯林土壤全磷、全钾、速效磷含量显著高于白桦纯林土壤(P<0.05).盆栽第1年,白桦纯林土壤上的白桦苗木苗高、地径和生物量分别比在落叶松纯林土壤上增加69%、52%和65%(P<0.05),落叶松苗木分别增加12%、8%和37%(P>0.05).以白桦纯林土壤为基质时,白桦、落叶松苗木叶片氮浓度高于落叶松纯林土壤,而磷浓度低于落叶松纯林土壤.白桦凋落量大且分解速度快,落叶松对土壤磷具有活化作用,导致白桦纯林土壤氮素有效性较高,落叶松纯林土壤有效磷含量较高.推测两树种混交时,土壤氮、磷的互补作用可能对林分产量产生有益的作用.     

Influence of ectomycorrhizal inoculation on Pinus wallichiana and Cedrus deodara seedlings under nursery conditions

A study was undertaken to examine the extent of root colonization by four locally isolated ectomycorrhizal （ECM） fungi （Hebeloma theobrominum, Boletus dryophilus, Scleroderma citrinum and Suillus luteus） and their effects on seedling growth in Pinus wallichiana and Cedrus deodara under nursery conditions. Seedlings of the two conifers were inoculated with mycelium of ECM fungi and were grown in pots containing sterilized forest soil for six months. The percentage of ECM colonization of roots was 38%-52% in Pinus wallichiana and 33%-48~ in Cedrus deodara. ECM colonization increased shoot height, needle number, shoot and root biomass and survival of inoculated seedlings. Among the four ECM fungi Hebeloma theobrominum was more effective with Pinus wallichiana and Scleroderma citrinum with Cedrus deodara in promoting seedling survival and overall growth. All the four ECM fungi used enhanced growth of inoculated seedlings and thus can be used in afforestation and regeneration programmes in degraded forests ecosystems.     

Growth,nutrient acquisition and ectomycorrhizae of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus regnans</Emphasis> F. Muell. seedlings in fertilized or diluted air-dried and undried forest soil

Seedlings of Eucalyptus regnans (mountain ash) grow poorly in undried forest soil, where they develop purple coloration in the foliage, but their growth is markedly improved when forest soil has been air dried. Whether this growth promotion is purely due to improved nutrient status of the soil, as a result of air drying, was investigated. In several pot experiments, E. regnans seedlings were grown (i) in air-dried and undried forest soil with addition of different levels of complete fertiliser, (ii) in air-dried or undried soil diluted to different extents with sand, or (iii) in undried soil mixed with different amounts of air-dried soil. Seedling dry weight, P content and incidence of ectomycorrhizal root tips were determined.In all experiments, the dry weights of seedlings were 3–6 times greater in 100% air-dried soil than in 100% undried soil. Fertiliser application resulted in a significant increase in dry weight of seedlings in both air-dried and undried soil, but the dry weights in air-dried soil were always significantly greater than those in undried soil at the same level of fertiliser application. Even at the highest level of fertiliser application, the growth difference between seedlings in air-dried and undried soil remained. When air-dried soil was diluted with sand, there was a significant reduction in seedling dry weight only when soil was diluted to 20% or less (air-dried soil:total mix). Conversly, when air-dried soil was mixed with undried soil, there was a proportional decrease in seedling dry weight with increasing amounts of undried soil. In all experiments, the dominant ectomycorrhizal morphotypes in 100% air-dried soil were different from those in undried soil. Fertilisation and dilution of air-dried and undried soil did not result in a reduction in the overall incidence of ectomycorrhizal root tips, although the frequency of occurrence of different ectomycorrhizal morphotypes was affected.It is concluded that the growth difference between seedlings in air-dried and undried forest soils is not due solely to differences in the direct availability of nutrients in the soils, and different ectomycorrhizae may indirectly affect nutrient availability to the plant.     

Root–shoot communication of the seedlings of Japanese larch and a hybrid species grown in different soil-temperature regimes

We studied the effects of soil temperature (7, 15, and 25°C) on the growth and photosynthesis of seedlings of the Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) and its hybrid larch (L. gmelinii × L. kaempferi) to simulate early stages of regeneration after disturbance. At a soil temperature of 7°C, the root length per unit root biomass, chlorophyll concentration, and photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency (PNUE) were markedly lower in the Japanese larch than in the hybrid larch, which may indicate that the hybrid larch is better at acquiring water and nutrients. At ambient temperatures of 17–25°C, the light-saturated photosynthesis rate (P _sat) of both seedlings grown at a soil temperature of 7°C was lower than at 15 or 25°C. By the 16th week, the needle area, root area, and biomass in seedlings of both types were lower at a soil temperature of 7°C than at soil temperatures of 15 or 25°C. At a soil temperature of 25°C, P _sat and nitrogen uptake were lower in both larch species than at 15°C. The growth of the Japanese larch declined sharply from 15 to 25°C; however, the growth of the hybrid larch decreased only slightly from 15 to 25°C. We conclude that an increased soil temperature may retard larch growth in cold regions, especially in the case of the Japanese larch.     

Above- and below-ground growth of white spruce seedlings with roots divided into different substrates with or without controlled-release fertilizer

Thirty-two one-year-old white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) seedlings were grown outdoors for one season in 35 L pots buried in the soil. The pots were vertically split in half. One compartment (mineral) was filled with loamy sand. The bottom of the other compartment (organic) was filled with 10 cm sand topped with 15 cm of organic substrates. Two seedling types (16 seedlings each), (i) polystyroblock-grown and (ii) peat-board grown with mechanical root pruning had their root systems split approximately in half into each of the vertical compartments. Controlled-release (26-12-6 N-P-K) fertilizer was added to one or to none (control) of the compartments. Above-ground growth was positively affected by fertilizer placed in either soil compartmnent. Nutrient content of the foliage was greater in fertilized than in unfertilized seedlings; N and P concentrations were significantly increased. Bud reflushing occurred frequently in fertilized seedlings. Unfertilized container-grown seedlings had the fewest roots in either soil compartment. Unfertilized mechanically-pruned seedlings had significantly greater root length, root surface area, and more root tips in mineral than in organic compartments. They also had more P in current-year leaves than did unfertilized container-grown seedlings. Fertilizer added to mineral compartments significantly affected root growth in these compartments only, whereas when added to organic compartments it affected root growth in both compartments. Root systems of the two seedling types were differently affected by fertilizer: in mechanically-pruned seedlings, the number of roots was reduced but their length and diameter increased; in container-grown seedlings, root proliferation was stimulated and this increased total root length and root surface area. Five ectomycorrhizal morphotypes were identified. E-strain was the most abundant. Except for Cenococcum, all morphotypes were present in nursery stock prior to planting. Changes in distribution of morphotypes after planting appeared related to root health condition rather than to applied fertilizer. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Apatite as a P source in mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Pinus sylvestris seedlings

The objectives of the study are firstly to test the ability of ectomycorrhizal pine seedlings to use apatite as a P source in comparison with non-mycorrhizal pine seedlings and secondly, to determine if there is a relation between exudation of organic acids and the ability to use apatite as a P source. Non-mycorrhizal Pinus sylvestris (L.) seedlings and seedlings ectomycorrhizal with 4 different isolates of ectomycorrhizal fungi were grown for 220 days in sand/peat filled pots with apatite (Ca₅(F,OH)(PO₄)₃) as the sole P source. In an additional experiment, non-mycorrhizal Pinus sylvestris (L.) seedlings and seedlings ectomycorrhizal with 2 different isolates of ectomycorrhizal fungi were grown without any P source for 250 days. All other nutrients were supplied in a balanced nutrient solution.Ectomycorrhizal seedlings grew less than non-mycorrhizal seedlings but ectomycorrhizal seedlings produced a large external mycelium not included in the biomass estimates. All seedlings in the present study had low shoot:root ratios compared to seedlings growing under optimal conditions. All seedlings grown with apatite as P source had higher foliar P concentrations (0.71–2.11 mg/g) than seedlings growing without any P source (0.57–0.75 mg/g) indicating a significant ability to use apatite as a P source. Seedlings colonized by Suillus variegatus and Paxillus involutus had higher concentrations and total contents of P in shoots compared with non-mycorrhizal seedlings, indicating significant improvement of P uptake by these fungi in comparison with non-mycorrhizal seedlings or seedlings colonized Piloderma croceum.No clear relationship between exudation of organic acids and uptake of P was found. Seedlings colonized by S. variegatus reduced the pH of the soil more than seedlings colonized by P. involutus or non-mycorrhizal seedlings. It is suggested that S. variegatus colonization improves the P uptake by reducing the pH of the soil while P. involutus improves P uptake by having a greater ability to absorb dissolved phosphate than non-mycorrhizal roots or roots colonized by the other fungi used in the study.     

Ectomycorrhizal fungi are shared between seedlings and adults in a monodominant Gilbertiodendron dewevrei rain forest in Cameroon

Ectomycorrhizal networks may facilitate the establishment and survival of seedlings regenerating under the canopies of tropical forests and are often invoked as a potential contributor to monodominance. We identified ectomycorrhizal fungi in a monodominant Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (Fabaceae) rain forest in Cameroon, using sporocarps and ectomycorrhizae of three age categories (seedlings, intermediate trees, and large trees) and tentatively revealed nutrient transfer through ectomycorrhizal networks by measuring spontaneous isotopic (¹³C and ¹⁵N) abundances in seedlings. Sporocarp surveys revealed fewer ectomycorrhizal fungal taxa (59 species from 1030 sporocarps) than molecular barcoding of ectomycorrhizal roots (75 operational taxonomic units from 828 ectomycorrhizae). Our observations suggest that ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity is similar to that in other mixed tropical forests and provide the first report of the Tuber‐Helvella lineage in a tropical forest. Despite some differences, all age categories of G. dewevrei had overlapping ectomycorrhizal fungal communities, with families belonging to Thelephoraceae, Russulaceae, Sebacinaceae, Boletaceae, and Clavulinaceae. Of the 49 operational taxonomic units shared by the three age categories (65.3% of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community), 19 were the most abundant on root tips of all categories (38.7% of the shared taxa), supporting the likelihood of ectomycorrhizal networks. However, we obtained no evidence for nutrient transfer from trees to seedlings. We discuss the composition of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community among the G. dewevrei age categories and the possible role of common ectomycorrhizal networks in this rain forest.     

Responses of ectomycorrhizal American elm (Ulmus americana) seedlings to salinity and soil compaction

American elm (Ulmus americana) seedlings were either non-inoculated or inoculated with Hebeloma crustuliniforme, Laccaria bicolor and a mixture of the two fungi to study the effects of ectomycorrhizal associations on seedling responses to soil compaction and salinity. The seedlings were grown in the greenhouse in pots containing non-compacted (0.4 g cm^?3 bulk density) and compacted (0.6 g cm^?3 bulk density) soil and subjected to 60 mM NaCl or 0 mM NaCl (control) treatments for 3 weeks. All three fungal inocula had similar effects on the responses of elm seedlings to soil compaction and salt treatment. In non-compacted soil, ectomycorrhizal fungi reduced plant dry weights, root hydraulic conductance, but did not affect leaf hydraulic conductance and net photosynthesis. When treated with 60 mM NaCl, ectomycorrhizal seedlings had several-fold lower leaf concentrations of Na⁺ compared with the non-inoculated plants. Soil compaction reduced Na⁺ leaf concentrations in non-ectomycorrhizal plants and decreased dry weights, gas exchange and root hydraulic conductance. However, in ectomycorrhizal plants, soil compaction had little effect on the leaf Na⁺ concentrations and on other measured growth and physiological parameters. Our results demonstrated that ECM associations could be highly beneficial to plants growing in sites with compacted soil such as urban areas.