Ectomycorrhiza Status of Castanopsis buruana Miq. in The Field

Abstract

Castanopsis buruana Miq. is one of the important species, growing in Indonesian lowland forest. The plant is used as source of wood and highly nutritious nuts. Castanopsis is reported to be associated with ectomycorrhiza, although the C. buruana Miq. which grows in Indonesian tropical rain forest has not been known for its ectomycorrhiza status. The objective of this research was to study the ectomycorrhiza status of C. buruana Miq. which grows in Sulawesi forest as endemic species. Samples were collected from C. buruana Miq. in Grand Forest Park Nipa-Nipa, Kendari. Collection of samples in the field was conducted with line transect technique using root tracing method. Ectomycorrhiza morphotype, root anatomy and root colonization analyses used method of Colour Atlas of Ectomycorrhizae, microtome and gridline intersection, respectively. Analysis results showed that roots of C. buruana Miq. formed eight different root tip morphotypes. Percentage of ectomycorrhiza colonization of the eight morphotypes varied and were categorized into 3 groups, namely <5%, 5-10% and > 50%. Unramified black root tip morphotype exhibites the highest colonization percentage (53,76%) compared to the others root tip morphotype observed.