Abstract
The tree species Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. (P. tabulaeformis) is commonly planted in China due to its economic and ecological value. In order to identify one or more ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal species for future P. tabulaeformis afforestation, we investigated the effects of five ECM fungal species: Laccaria laccata, Boletus edulis, Gomphidius viscidus, Suillus grevillei, and Suillus luteus on the growth of P. tabulaeformis seedlings under greenhouse conditions. The growth parameters of P. tabulaeformis seedlings were evaluated 90 days following fungal colonisation. The majority of seedlings were significantly affected by ECM inoculation. Mycorrhizal inoculated seedlings were taller, had more lateral roots, and a greater biomass compared with the non-mycorrhizal (CK) seedlings. With the exception of G. viscidus, inoculated seedlings exhibited higher phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen content compared with the CK seedlings. In addition, ECM colonisation increased the enzymatic activity of catalase, acidic phosphatase, protease, and the urease content in the rhizosphere soil. Our study showed that Laccaria laccata, Suillus grevillei, and Suillus luteus may be useful for improving the growth and cultivation of P. tabulaeformis seedlings. Furthermore, we observed that S. luteus inoculation increased the gas exchange parameters of P. tabulaeformis seedlings under field conditions.
Highlights
Pinus tabulaeformis is widely cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of China and has a strong adaptability to dry and barren habitats
Reduced amounts of root hairs on the Pinus species have contributed to the evolution of mycorrhiza, which are important for the absorption of water and nutrients [3]
We found that inoculation with ECM increased net photosynthesis and water use efficiency, which was potentially due to the fact that the external mycelia of the ECM promoted the uptake and transport of NH4+ and NO3− to the host plant [34]
Summary
Pinus tabulaeformis is widely cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of China and has a strong adaptability to dry and barren habitats. Due to its versatility and resiliency, it is considered an important tree species for forest restoration in Northwestern China. It provides other important ecosystem functions, including enrichment of headwaters, soil fertility, and water conservation [1,2]. Reduced amounts of root hairs on the Pinus species have contributed to the evolution of mycorrhiza, which are important for the absorption of water and nutrients [3]. Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi can ameliorate the growth of seedlings by improving water and nutrient uptake from the soil [4]. Without ECM fungi, P. tabulaeformis seedlings may not develop normally [5]
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