Field Performance of Ponderosa, Scots, and Austrian Pines with Pisolithus tinctorius Ectomycorrhizae in Prairie Soils

Washington D.C.

1989

S. 935-945

3 Tab., 32 Lit. Ang.

Bandaufführung

64479

Pinus ponderosa, P. sylvestris, and P. nigra seedlings, with Pisolithus tinctorius (Pt) ectomykorrhizae formed with standard or industrially produced pure culture inoculum, were planted on prairie soils in south-central and southeastern Nebraska, or in central Kansas. Survival and growth of the seedlings were evaluated annually over a 5-year period. Seedlings also were examined for presence of Pt and naturally occurring ectomycorrhizae. Pt remained viable on inoculated trees in each of three plantings during the 5-year period, but ectomykorrhizae formed with this symbiont did not improve survival and growth of the three pine species when compared to noninoculated control trees that had become ectomycorrhizal with naturally occurring symbionts. Factors (high soil pH and other fungi) contributing to the lack of growth response under field conditions for trees with Pt ectomycorrhizae are discussed.