A Simple New Technique for Ectomycorrhizal Formation between Cantharellus and Dendrocalamus strictus

Abstract

In vitro ectomycorrhizal formation is important in establishing an ectomycorrhizal relationship between a host tree and mushroom mycelia. Moreover, axenic conditions are considered essential for the synthesis of ectomycorrhiza under laboratory conditions. There have been several attempts in the past to evolve new methods of ectomycorrhizal formation between pine seedlings and fungal mycelia, but there have been few reports with angiosperm trees. In an attempt to design equipment that would require limited space and yet permit the observation of ectomycorrhiza formation, we developed a flask-filter paper technique for in vitro ectomycorrhizal formation between Cantharellus tropicalis and Dendrocalamus strictus. The characteristic feature of this technique is that root and shoot parts extend within a flask forming typical ectomycorrhiza in aseptic synthesis. Hence, this technique enabled Dendrocalamus plants to grow axenically and develop an ectomycorrhizal association with Cantharellus mycelium. This method is simple and will help in the in vitro study of other mycorrhizal fungi which form ectomycorrhiza with other angiosperm trees.